Rum Tum Tugger

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Rum Tum Tugger, portrayed by John Partridge in the Cats video.

Rum Tum Tugger is one of the many feline characters in the poetry book Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot and in the musical Cats. Cats was inspired by Eliot's book, published in 1939.

The Rum Tum Tugger is a black tom cat with leopard spots on his chest, and a wild mane. He is considered the ladies cat, and the rebel of the group. Some believe that he is one of Old Deuteronomy's children, and therefore brother to Munkustrap. The younger female kittens are in awe of him as well as some of older queens, especially Bombalurina. Demeter does not seem to like him at all. This is shown in the video.

Oh the Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat

And there's no need for you to doubt it;

For he will do

As he do do

And there's no doing anything about it.

Paul Nicholas played the role on the West End and Terrence Mann originated the role in the Broadway version.

Rum Tum Tugger is played by John Partridge in the CATS movie.

Andrew Lloyd Webber has stated that the part of the Tugger is intended to be a homage to Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. This homage is apparent in the way he moves on stage in the original Gillian Lynne choreography and the costume styling.