Cats are intriguing creatures. They can seem both social and fiercely independent. They have incredible reflexes and retain many of their natural hunting instincts. With their movement and elegance, it’s no surprise some cultures see them as supernatural.
Due to these reasons, cats have captured the imagination of many people around the world, leading to some fascinating beliefs. Here we look at the 10 best cat superstitions and myths from around the world.
1. Ancient Egypt: Sacred Guardians of the Gods
Ancient Egypt perhaps has the strongest association with how cats can have special meanings, and the area is home to some of the oldest cat breeds. They were seen as scared animals and were linked to the goddess Bastet. The Goddess symbolized protection, fertility, and the home.
It was believed that cats had divine connections and killing one was punishable by death, even if it was an accident. Many cars were mummified and placed in tombs, with the belief they would protect you in the afterlife.
While Egypt is home to many famous breeds, one of them is not the fascinating sphynx cat, which originated from Canada and was only bred in the 1960s. And as you may have noticed, it has a slightly different spelling from the Great Sphinx of Giza.
2. Japan: Maneki Neko and Good Fortune
Japan has one of the most famous cat symbols in the world. Called the Maneki Neko, or the beckoning cat, it’s a front-facing figurine that has one hand raised in the air. In some models, this raised paw moves back and forth.
The cat is meant to attract both luck and prosperity. One paw is meant as an invitation and the other is meant to bring wealth. In Japan, this cat is seen as a powerful symbol of luck. It is often found in businesses but also in homes and shrines.
3. Western Europe: The Black Cat as a Witch’s Familiar
A witch’s familiar was a supernatural entity meant to aid witches in their practice of magic, and these familiars were often thought to be small pets. In much of Western Europe, black cats were thought to be familiars during the Middle Ages.
It was also believed that witches could transform into black cats to carry out their deeds. They were seen as bad omens, especially if they crossed your paths. While the belief in witches may have died down, superstitious people can still see black cats as a bad omen.
4. Scotland: Black Cats as a Sign of Wealth
While Scotland may be a part of Western Europe, they had a different idea about black cats. It shows how these creatures can capture the imagination, sometimes in a negative way, but also sometimes positively as well.
There are some things you may not know about your pet cat with one of them being it can be a symbol of great wealth. That was the belief in Scotland should one show up on your doorstep. That’s a stark contrast to thinking it may be a witch.
5. Russia: Cats as Protectors of the Home
In Russia, cats are seen as protectors of the home. This is perhaps due to their incredible hunting instincts, but it’s believed they can remove any lingering energy or bad spirits. This is why they are particularly loved by people moving into a new home.
In particular, the Russian Blue cat is used for this purpose. As with many cultures, it is seen as lucky and can bring both harmony and prosperity to a home. They are able to bring both spiritual and material blessings.
6. China: Cats as Guardians Against Evil Spirits
Cats in China are also seen as positive but in a different sense. Again, it’s fascinating how one culture can have a completely different belief to another. Here, they are believed to guard against evil spirits rather than the old European belief of them being an evil spirit.
Perhaps it’s a cat’s ability to sense when we’re sad that led to this belief. They can help to ward off negative energy and foster a more positive environment. As with most superstitions on this list, these beliefs aren’t as strong as they once were, but many still see cats as a symbol of peace.
7. Italy: Black Cats as Omens of Death
Again, we flip to the opposite end of the spectrum. In Italy, cats can be seen as a sign of imminent death and a bringer of bad luck. Traditionally it was said that if a black cat lay on your bed when you were sick, then death was near.
As you can imagine, this gave black cats an ominous reputation which still lingers to this day. The beliefs were strongest in the 16th century but still persist. The superstition isn’t universal to all Italians, but it adds to the mysterious reputation of these felines.
8. Turkey: Cats as Sacred Animals with Spiritual Significance
If you’ve ever been to Istanbul in Turkey, you may have noticed a large population of feral cats, with estimated numbers put at 100,000. Here cats are treated with deep care and respect, with wild cats not seen as a nuisance at all.
Street cats are widely loved and looked after by locals, making them notoriously friendly. This affection towards cats is common in Muslim countries, as they are seen as ritually clean and sacred. There is even a story that the Prophet Muhammad had a pet cat, although this is debated by some.
9. Germany: Cats Crossing Paths
Many of these superstitions are due to just their color, but Germany has one about the direction of travel. This is a superstition that other countries also have, but not as uniquely as Germany. If the cat crosses from left to right, it is a bad omen. However, if it crosses right to left, this is a good sign.
In other areas of the world, a black cat crossing your path can either be good or bad luck, depending on the culture. However, unlike in Germany, the direction doesn’t matter.
10. Celtic: The Fairy Cat Sìth
We end with a bit of Irish and Scottish Celtic folklore. There is a mysterious creature called the cat-sìth or cat-sì which is believed to roam the countryside. It’s a cat-like fairy that is predominantly black but with a patch of white on its chest.
It was thought the cat had mystical powers and could steal someone’s soul. As a different interpretation to the thought that cats have nine lives, it was also believed by some cultures the cat-sìth was a witch that could transform into a cat nine times.
