The Cats of Ulthar

Title: The Cats of Ulthar

Author: H. P. Lovecraft

Narrator: Jonathan Dunne

Original Publication: 1920

Public Domain: Yes

Series Placement: Number 16 in the Timeless Terrors series

Description:

The Cats of Ulthar by H. P. Lovecraft is a darkly enchanting tale set in a mythical land where superstition and cosmic justice intertwine. First published in 1920, the story recounts the curious events in the town of Ulthar, where it is said that no man may kill a cat.

Through the eyes of a wandering traveler, we learn of the cruelty of an old couple who take pleasure in destroying cats, and of the strange vengeance that follows when a caravan of mysterious strangers arrives. The tale unfolds with Lovecraft’s unique blend of folklore and unease, weaving a fable that is at once cautionary and uncanny.

This recording, narrated by Jonathan Dunne, conveys both the mythic cadence and the chilling undercurrent of Lovecraft’s prose. While the text itself is in the public domain, this performance is an original work and copyright © 2025 Jonathan Dunne.

This audiobook is part of Timeless Terrors, a dedicated series bringing classic horror back to life — stories from the great masters of the macabre, narrated afresh to haunt a new generation.

Listeners should expect a strange and memorable meditation on cruelty, retribution, and the enigmatic power of cats in the unseen world.