Old Deuteronomy

General
Old Deuteronomy is the leader of the Jellicle Tribe and is without a doubt the oldest. (That is why he is called Old Deuteronomy) In the poem it states that he has "lived many lives in succesion" indicating that he has gone to the Heavyside Layer many times and is very respected, enough so to become the leader. He is also "famous in proverb and famous in rhyme" as it says so in the poem.

It is also hinted, and many fans believe, that he is the Father of most of the tribe because of the line "Old Deuteronomy buried nine wives and more, I am tempted to say, ninety-nine."

Poem
In the version of T.S Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats where it is illustrated by Edward Gorey he is seen as a large gray cat that is most often sleeping.

Musical
In the Musical and DVD version Old Deuteronomy is a large role singing parts of many songs including "Old Deuteronomy", "Moments Of Happiness", "The Ad-Dressing of The Cats" and some of "Memory" Or the reprises.