Verse 1: I love my little cat, I do, with soft black silky hair;
It comes with me each day to school, and sits upon the chair;
When teacher says, "Why do you bring that little pet of yours?"
I tell her that I bring my cat along with me because:

Chorus: Daddy wouldn't buy me a bow-wow! bow wow!
Daddy wouldn't buy me a bow-wow! bow wow!
I've got a little cat, and I'm very fond of that!
But I'd rather have a bow-wow, wow, wow, wow, wow.

Verse 2: We used to have two tiny dogs, such pretty little dears,
But daddy sold 'em 'cos they used to bite each other's ears;
I cried all day, at eight each night, Papa sent me to bed;
When Ma came home and wiped my eyes, I cried again and said:

Chorus: Daddy wouldn't buy me a bow-wow! bow wow!
Daddy wouldn't buy me a bow-wow! bow wow!
I've got a little cat, and I'm very fond of that!
But I'd rather have a bow-wow, wow, wow, wow, wow.

Verse 3: I'll be so glad when I get old to do just as I "likes,"
I'll keep a parrot, and at least, a half a dozen tykes;
And when I've got a tiny pet I'll kiss the little thing,
Then put it in its little cot, and unto it I'll sing:

Final Chorus: Daddy wouldn't buy me a bow-wow! bow wow!
Daddy wouldn't buy me a bow-wow! bow wow!
I've got a little cat, and I'm very fond of that!
But I'd rather have a bow-wow......., Bow-wow!