On a tall tree by the river, a group of little birds lived happily. They chirped, played, and sang songs all day long.
One day, a sly cat noticed them. “Mmm… what a tasty meal they would make,” he thought, licking his lips. But the birds stayed high on the branches, far from his reach.
So the cat made a clever plan. He bathed, cleaned himself, and stood under the tree with folded paws like a saint.
“Peace be with you, dear little birds,” the cat said sweetly. “I am no longer a hunter. I have given up meat. Now I live a holy life, eating only fruits and herbs. You can trust me.”
The young birds whispered nervously, “Is he really safe?”
One of them asked, “But aren’t you a cat? Cats always eat birds.”
The cat smiled kindly. “Ah, that was in the past. I now spend my days praying for peace. I only wish to guide you to live a pure life too.”
Hearing his calm voice, some birds almost believed him. But an old wise bird screeched from the top branch, “Foolish ones! Do not trust his sweet words. A cat will always be a cat!”
Just then, the cat’s tail twitched with excitement, and his sharp claws showed. The younger birds gasped.
“See!” said the old bird. “His actions betray his words.”
Realizing the danger, the birds flapped their wings and flew far away. The cat, disappointed and hungry, slunk back into the bushes.
The wise bird said, “Remember, children—never trust false appearances.”
Moral: Beware of those who pretend to be what they are not.