In a serene Japanese valley, the wise monk Hideo teaches his disciples under a cherry blossom tree, tying a playful cat to a bamboo pole to maintain peace. Years later, his disciple Kenji, misunderstanding the act, spreads a peculiar ritual across Japan, teaching that a cat and pole are essential for wisdom. This charming tale reveals the importance of questioning traditions to uncover their true meaning, lest we carry a “cat in our head” that clouds our understanding.