What kind of cat raised Mowgli? - briefly
The cat that raised Mowgli in Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book" is named Bagheera, who is a black panther.
What kind of cat raised Mowgli? - in detail
In Rudyard Kipling's classic tale "The Jungle Book," the character of Mowgli is raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, not by a cat. The story begins with the discovery of an orphaned baby named Mowgli by a wolf pack led by Father Wolf and Mother Wolf. They decide to adopt him as their own cub, naming him Mowgli, which means "frog" in the language of the wolves. This adoption is facilitated by the law of the jungle that allows any animal to be adopted into another species if it is found abandoned or orphaned.
The wolf pack raises Mowgli as one of their own, teaching him the ways of the jungle and instilling in him the values and rules that govern the lives of the animals therein. This upbringing includes learning to hunt, respecting the law of the jungle, and understanding the hierarchy among the creatures.
The misconception might arise from the presence of Bagheera, the black panther, who plays a significant role in Mowgli's life. Bagheera is not responsible for raising Mowgli but serves as his mentor and protector throughout his journey in the jungle. Bagheera teaches Mowgli many lessons about survival, wisdom, and the importance of living according to the laws of the jungle.
In summary, while there are cats, specifically panthers like Bagheera, present in "The Jungle Book," it is important to note that Mowgli is raised by wolves, not by a cat. The wolves provide him with a family and teach him the essential skills and values needed to survive and thrive in the jungle environment.