Socks is a tabby kitten with white paws, and black rings around his tail like a raccoon. He lives with Mr. and Mrs. Bricker, who bought him for 50 cents when he was just a small kitten.

     "Socks thrived. He grew into a sleek cat, affectionate toward his loving owners but firm about getting his own way. He was the center of the Bricker household, and he was content."

Until one day when the Brickers come home with a new pet. Or is it a pet? Socks has noticed that he's had less and less space on Mrs. Brickers's lap in recent months. And now there's no space at all. This new 'pet' has taken Socks' place!

     Socks saw a creature with a small, wrinkled, furless face, a sight that made his hair stand on end. His eyes grew large and he backed away. Whatever the thing was, he did not trust it ... His owners, his faithful, loving owners, had brought home a new pet to threaten his position in the household.

Suddenly Socks is no longer the center of attention. This strange new arrival seems to get all the love and affection. Worse still, the Brickers decide that Socks is too plump, and they put him on a diet! "After months of catnip and kidney, of service and attention, to be treated like this!" Whatever is Socks to do?