Question

And the behaviour of the cat was somewhat peculiar. It was soon noticed that when there was work to be done the cat could never be found. She would vanish for hours on end, and then reappear at meal-times, or in the evening after work was over, as though nothing had happened. But she always made such excellent excuses, and purred so affectionately, that it was impossible not to believe in her good intentions.

What is the central idea of this passage?

The cat is hungry.
The cat means well.
The cat is lazy.
The cat is ignorant.

Answer 1

The cat means well.

The passage emphasizes that although she disappears when there's work, her excuses and affectionate purring make it impossible not to believe in her good intentions.