The original version of the song, by Little Willie John, on King Records, reached No.
[1] Over the intervening decades, numerous covers have been recorded, in different musical genres, sometimes with altered lyrics.
It was again remixed in 1984 by Geoff Emerick in preparation for inclusion on the unreleased Sessions project.
Elvis Costello and the Attractions recorded a cover of "Leave My Kitten Alone" in 1986 during the sessions for Blood & Chocolate.
In a review for the reissue, Kent Benjamin of Goldmine referred to Costello's rendition as one of his best covers and "finest rockers".