# Atirei o Pau no Gato

"Atirei o pau no gato" is a very well-known Brazilian "cantiga de roda" (ring game) of anonymous origin; its old words describe throwing a stick at a cat that survives, and modern non-violent versions are now common.

## At a glance

| | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Brazil |
| Sung in | Portuguese |
| Words by | Traditional |
| First known | traditional; late 19th / early 20th century |
| Best for ages | 2–7 |
| Mood | playful, traditional |
| Page | https://littlesongbook.com/songs/atirei-o-pau-no-gato/ |

## Lyrics

### Verse 1 (pt)

Atirei o pau no gato-to
Mas o gato-to não morreu-reu-reu
Dona Chica-ca admirou-se-se
do berro, do berro que o gato deu:
Miau!

### English translation (en)

I threw the stick at the cat-cat
but the cat-cat didn't die-die-die
Lady Chica-ca was amazed-amazed
at the yowl, at the yowl the cat gave:
Meow!

## Common questions

**What does "Atirei o pau no gato" say?**

In its traditional form: "I threw the stick at the cat, but the cat didn't die; Dona Chica was amazed at the yowl the cat gave — meow!" It is a nonsense ring-game rhyme, and (importantly) the cat is not hurt — the joke is the loud, indignant meow.

**Where is "Atirei o Pau no Gato" from?**

It is a Brazilian "cantiga de roda" (a children's ring or circle song) of anonymous origin, thought to date from the late 19th or early 20th century, when many Brazilian rhymes were shaped by Portuguese and European folk melodies. It has always been passed down orally.

**Is there a non-violent version?**

Yes. Because the words describe throwing a stick at a cat, the song has been widely rewritten in recent years — most famously by the "Galinha Pintadinha" children's brand — into versions that add a line about not mistreating animals. Both the old and new forms are sung today.

## Sources

- [Letras.mus.br — Atirei o pau no gato (significado)](https://www.letras.mus.br/cantigas-populares/983981/significado.html)
- https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19530095