In "The Last Unicorn" by Peter S. Beagle, the author presents a fascinating perspective on the nature of cats. He suggests that cats are not beings in their own right, but rather a guise adopted by various mischievous creatures—imps, hobs, and devilkins. This view portrays cats as shapes used by these entities to infiltrate human spaces effortlessly. It challenges the reader to reconsider their understanding of these familiar creatures.

This idea invites reflection on the nature of reality and perception. If cats are merely a shape taken on by tricksters, it raises questions about the essence of identity and the complexities of the mystical world surrounding us. The playful yet profound notion captivates the reader's imagination, intertwining the ordinary presence of cats in our lives with the extraordinary potential of the mystical realm.