* Children's literature: The story is aimed at a young audience with its focus on animal characters and themes of courage and friendship.
* Animal fiction: It features animal characters as protagonists and antagonists, exploring their relationships with each other and humans.
* Adventure story: Rikki-tikki-tavi's journey to protect the family from the cobras is filled with excitement, danger, and suspense.
* Fantasy: The story includes elements of the supernatural, such as the cobras' magical powers and the animals' ability to speak.
Therefore, while "Rikki-tikki-tavi" doesn't belong to a singular genre, it draws elements from various literary categories, making it a captivating and engaging piece of literature.