Why Were Cats And Witchcraft Associated?

Cats have been revered in ancient Egyptian and Norse mythology as symbols of home, fertility, and protection, often associated with goddesses. In witchcraft, cats are believed to be powerful familiars that enhance a witch’s magical abilities, ward off negative energies, and assist in spellcasting and divination. They were also seen as the embodiment of Satan himself.

Cats were associated with women of formidable stature, but also with danger and deception. In Greek mythology, Diana, goddess of the hunt and moon, and teacher of magick and witchcraft, shapeshifts into a cat. Cats were believed to be the familiar companions of witches, aiding them in their dark magic and nocturnal rituals. Their association with devilry and the supernatural led to the European witch trials of the Middle Ages and those in Salem, Massachusetts.

The link between cats and witchcraft was solidified in the popular imagination during the witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries. Many women in 16th and 17th-century Britain, North America, and parts of Europe were thought to be “familiar spirits” to witches, like little furry devils who helped them. The evolution of black cats was rooted in the belief that witches could use cats for spying and other dark magic.

Cats are believed to be more silent and resilient, which is good for witches’ concentration when needed. They are also well aligned with nature, making them common companions. The relationship between witches and black cats is probably imaginary, but it is possible that black cats make better mousers.

In medieval Europe, cats were often associated with witches and heretics, and it was believed that the devil was responsible for their association with cats.

What is the myth about black cats?

Black cats are not only considered a sign of bad luck, but also appear in folklore as both good and bad omens. In some European folklore, black cats are considered companions of witches and bringers of misfortune. In Welsh folklore, black cats bring luck to homes and can even be reliable weather predictors. These superstitions and lucky rituals can be found in various cultures, including the UK, where they are often associated with witches and bring misfortune. If you’re considering adopting a black cat, check out our Cat Adoption Guide.

Are cats really bad omen?

Black cats are not believed to bring bad luck, as their superstitions are myths and not based on any real evidence. Instead, it is recommended to give a friendly pat to black cats when they cross your path. The superstition that a cat licks you is a result of an old wives’ tale, which suggests that if a cat sneezes or licks you, it is bestowing its blessing upon you. While there is no scientific evidence supporting this, it is a fun way to feel lucky when your beloved feline friend gives you a lick.

What animals are associated with witchcraft?

The accounts of accused witches and cunning-folk often featured unifying features, such as their “ordinariness” and “naturalism” despite dealing with supernatural entities. Familiar spirits were typically small animals, such as cats, rats, dogs, ferrets, birds, frogs, toads, and hares, but also included wasps, butterflies, pigs, sheep, and horses. They were kept in pots or baskets lined with sheep’s wool and fed with milk, bread, meat, and blood.

These spirits often had names and affectionate nicknames, as seen in Tom Reid, the familiar of cunning-woman Bessie Dunlop, and Grizell and Gridigut, the familiars of 17th-century Huntingdonshire witch Jane Wallis. An agathion, a familiar spirit, appeared in the shape of a human or animal, or within a talisman, bottle, or magic ring, and was strongest at midday.

Why were cats Worshipped like gods?

Ancient Egyptian art and culture admired cats for their complex, dual nature, combining grace, fecundity, and gentle care with aggression, swiftness, and danger. Felines were often represented with feline features, but Egyptians did not worship them. Instead, they believed these ‘feline’ deities shared certain character traits with the animals. Bastet, the best-known feline goddess from Egypt, was initially depicted as a lioness but later assumed the image of a cat or a feline-headed woman in the 2nd millennium BCE.

Her shielding and motherly aspects were emphasized. Countless representations of a seated cat, cat-headed goddess, or cat with kittens include dedicatory inscriptions addressed to Bastet, expressing wishes for health, children, or life and protection.

The Brooklyn Museum’s Divine Felines: Cats of Ancient Egypt exhibition highlights the beauty and elegance of the gilded wooden statuette of a goddess with a leonine head and the body of a woman. The statuette has been in Brooklyn since 1937 but has been off view due to her poor condition.

What does a cat represent spiritually?

Cats are spirit animals that teach us to embrace our sensitivity, trust instincts, and intuitive perceptions. They encourage us to expose ourselves to the world, even if it means experiencing intense emotions or uncomfortable energies. This ability to feel deeply allows us to live fully and love without reserve. If you have a cat as your spirit animal, you can choose jewelry from a boutique to feel its presence, receive its spiritual energy, and maintain self-confidence. Cats are often part of our daily lives and inspire many.

Why are witches associated with cats?

In the 16th century, Europe believed witches were evil and often faced trial, torture, and death. Witches were believed to be at one with nature and often had a cat as a companion. The Celts believed cats were humans forced to return after committing bad deeds, leading to stories of witches turning into cats. Witnesses claimed witches would sneak into people’s houses at night to harm them, and some even confessed to this crime. The cat became more than just a witch’s pet; it became her familiar, often facing the same fate as their owners.

Why were cats considered bad luck?

Black cats have been associated with evil and evil throughout history, with people believing they could assist witches in their evil deeds and that they could transform into black cats to cast spells on people. However, not everyone hated black cats, as ancient Egyptians viewed them as divine and believed gods lived within them. In 19th-century Europe, black cat sightings were considered good omens, while the Irish believed a black cat on a porch was good luck.

In Japan, black cats are revered as symbols of prosperity. Fortunately, these superstitions have virtually vanished, and black cats are now part of many families worldwide. However, many black cats are still mistreated and feared, especially around Halloween, so it is important for owners to keep them safely indoors.

What is the mythical creature of a witch often a cat?

The Cat Sìth, a supernatural figure in Scottish folklore, was believed to be a witch capable of transforming into a cat nine times, potentially contributing to the modern belief that cats have nine lives. The Gaelic festival of Samhain, which later evolved into Halloween, was a significant time for the Cat Sìth, as it was believed that the thinnest veil between the living and the dead allowed the Cat Sìth to roam the earth. People would leave out milk saucers to appease the Cat Sìth, risking curses and dry cows’ milk.

The Cat Sìth was also associated with Scottish wake rituals, known as the “Feill Fadalach”, which were believed to prevent the Cat Sìth from stealing the soul of the deceased before it was claimed by the gods. To distract the Cat Sìth, families would engage in various rituals, such as playing games, making a racket, and even catnapping.

The Cat Sìth’s legend reflects deeper aspects of Scottish culture and identity, as the Highlands, with their rugged terrain and misty landscapes, have always been a fertile ground for myths and legends.

What is the black cat theory?

Black cat/golden retriever pairings work because they model the idea that opposites attract. This stems from The Theory of Complementarity, which states that qualities of one person supplement or enhance the qualities of another person, and vice versa. For example, Ben, a personification of a black cat, was wary of the outside world and had a strong, sometimes stubborn sense of self. The golden retriever, on the other hand, welcomed new, exciting interactions and required a level of challenge and adventure to engage their brain.

The black cat finds solace in solitude and requires a fair amount of alone time to recharge their social battery. They dislike small talk and prefer deep, meaningful conversations instead of surface-level chatter. They have niche interests that provide them with a sense of comfort and security. They are “hard to get” at first, as they only reveal their emotions to a select few and are cautious about who they let into their little world.

In relationships, they often serve as the grounding force that provides stability and calm. Their partner probably relies on them for a sense of security and peace, especially when they are in moments of crisis or chaos. By combining Ben’s reservations with the golden retriever’s sense of adventure, they get balance on both sides. This dynamic works because the black cat feels comfortable being unapologetically themselves, while the golden retriever feels bound by others’ expectations and emotions.

What is it called when a witch has a cat?

In Western demonology, a familiar is a small animal or imp kept as a witch’s attendant, either given by the devil or inherited from another witch. The familiar can take on various animal shapes or be a grotesque creature of fantasy. It is believed to subsist by sucking blood from a witch’s fingers or other protuberances. During European witchcraft trials, suspected witches were searched for “teats” they fed their familiar, which were considered signs of guilt.

Why did Egyptians think cats were magical?

Ancient Egyptians believed their gods could take various forms, including cats. These gods could not only appear with the cat’s head but also inhabit their bodies. This led to a culture of breeding and mummification of cats. The killing of cats was forbidden in ancient Egypt, except for mummification. Cats were not worshipped as gods themselves but as vessels chosen by the gods to inhabit. Their presence in art, fashion, and home ornamentation served as a reminder of the power of the gods.