The old man says, “The cat, of course, will be all right. A cat can look out for itself” (58). He is less concerned for it than for the other animals, as cats are stereotypically independent and detached. In this story, the cat symbolizes those who endure in the context of war. They are able to function well in their role and survive, but they remain disconnected from others and focus on their own survival.

The unnamed soldier takes care of himself, like a cat that always lands on its feet. He is observant and watchful of his surroundings and remains on guard even while talking to the old man. His detachment makes him, like the old man’s cat, more likely to survive the war than the other creatures around him.

Goats are not usually helpless creatures. In fact, they may become aggressive and are known to be stubborn when faced with challenges they are not prepared for or forced to do things they don’t want to do. In the story, the old man is forced to leave behind two goats as he escapes his town before a bombing.

The helpless goats are a symbol of the old man.