Cats have had a mystical aura surrounding them throughout history, often being associated with luck, both good and bad. Superstitions around cats often portray them as omens, or signs of future events. An omen is believed to foretell the future, either for good or evil. Cats have long been featured in folklore and mythology as having supernatural abilities to predict or influence future events.
In particular, black cats have an especially strong association with being omens of good or bad luck. The origins of many superstitions around cats can be traced back centuries to ancient Egypt, Medieval Europe, and other cultures. Whether a cat was seen as a positive or negative omen often depended on the specific culture and time period. Even today, black cat superstitions persist around luck, witches, and Halloween. This article will explore the history and cultural significance of cats as omens and signs of good or bad fortune.
Cats in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and worshipped as gods. Cats were seen as protectors and were associated with the goddess Bastet, who had the head of a cat in some depictions. The ancient Egyptians believed cats were sacred animals.[1] Killing a cat was punishable by death, and harming a cat resulted in harsh penalties. When a cat died, the Egyptians went into a period of mourning and shaved their eyebrows to show their sadness. Cats were mummified and buried in sacred siteries. The Egyptians admired the cat’s mysterious nature and associated them with the underworld.
Cats were valued for their ability to protect grain stores and homes from rats, mice, and snakes. As a result, they were seen as protectors. The goddess Bastet was the protector of women, household, and domesticity. Her feline form embodied the maternal aspects of protection and fertility. The ancient Egyptians believed cats protected their homes and families.[2] Overall, cats held an exalted status in ancient Egypt as both deities and guardians.
Black Cats and Witchcraft
Black cats have long been associated with witches and witchcraft. In medieval Europe, black cats were believed to be witches in disguise or wicked familiars. Many people believed that witches could shapeshift into black cats to prowl around unobserved at night. As a result, black cats were often persecuted along with accused witches. Some of the hysteria around black cats arose from their association with pagan religions that revered cats, which the church condemned as devil worship.
This association of black cats with witchcraft led to them being seen as bad omens. People believed that a black cat crossing your path was a sign of bad luck or even a curse from an angered witch. Sailors in particular came to regard black cats as a bad omen, believing that they could summon storms and ruin voyages. The fear of black cats was so strong in some areas that people killed them on sight. Even today, the notion persists in some places that black cats are bad luck.
Sources:
https://baldespendus.tumblr.com/
https://tumblrgallery.xyz/gallery/black-cats-141.htm
Sailors and Black Cats
Black cats have long been considered good luck on ships by sailors. According to the Maritime Museum at Texas A&M University, British and Irish sailors in the past believed that having a black cat on board a ship would bring good luck and fortune to the vessel and crew (https://www.maritime.edu/follow-the-voyage/myth-busters/myth-busters-does-black-cat-bring-good-luck-ship). Black cats were seen as signs of good weather and smooth sailing ahead. Sailors would often bring black cats on voyages and keep them on ships as pets and mascots.
According to Sailing Europe, sailors would specifically look for black cats to bring on ships in the olden days. The cats were kept in places of honor on the ships and treated well by the crew. It was considered extremely unlucky if anything bad happened to the ship’s black cat (https://www.sailingeurope.com/blog/sailing-superstitions-grab-a-black-cat-and-leave-the-bananas). Sailors believed the cats would use their magical abilities to protect the ship from storms and other dangers at sea.
Cats as Familiars
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was commonly believed that witches kept black cats as their magical companions or “familiars.” Familiars were said to be demons or minor spirits in animal form that aided witches in their magic and acted as their spies and servants (Davis, n.d.).
In some medieval fairy tales and folklore, witches were depicted as turning their cats into demons or evil spirits. The cats would then carry out evil deeds or spy on their enemies (Coil, 2010). This led to an association between witches and cats, especially black cats.
Some of the earliest mentions of cats as familiars come from the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries. Accused witches were often said to have been seen feeding or pampering black cats, or to have been aided by cat familiars when performing spells (Delia, 2021).
During the witch hunts, the mere presence of a cat, especially a black cat, was often enough to convict a woman of witchcraft. Many cats were killed alongside accused witches during this period as suspected imps or agents of witchcraft (Lady, 2020).
The idea of a witch’s cat familiar became a staple of Halloween decor and folklore. However, there is no evidence witches actually saw cats as more than companions or pets (Heks, 1783). Still, the legend remains a popular myth about witches and cats.
Cats Crossing Your Path
One of the most well-known superstitions involving cats is that it’s bad luck if a black cat crosses your path. This belief dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe when black cats were thought to be connected to witchcraft and satanic rituals. It was believed that a black cat crossing in front of you was actually a witch in disguise. The superstition says that if a black cat walks towards you and then turns around and walks away, it takes the good luck with it, leaving you with bad luck.
This superstition led to the large scale killing and avoidance of black cats during the witch hunts in medieval times. People believed getting rid of black cats would get rid of witches. Even today, the superstition around black cats crossing your path persists in some parts of the world. However, in some cultures such as the UK and Japan, it’s considered good luck if a black cat crosses your path. White cats crossing your path are also considered fortuitous in many cultures.
While there is no scientific evidence to support cats crossing your path as being lucky or unlucky, this superstition reveals the mystical beliefs historically associated with cats. Whether as a conduit of good or bad luck, the folklore around cats demonstrates their supernatural reputation.
Cats and the Occult
Cats have long been associated with having supernatural abilities, especially when it comes to the occult and sensing spirits and danger. This is especially true of black cats, who are thought to have strong magical and spiritual abilities. Many believe black cats can see and sense spirits, demons, and ghosts that may be invisible to humans (Source: https://cherokeebilliespiritualadvisor.com/blogs/all/cats-superpowers-protect-you-from-negative-forces).
Some think black cats are able to ward off evil spirits and negative energy. Their mysterious ability to detect and see things humans can’t makes them valued as familiars and protectors in occult practices like Wicca (Source: https://www.youandmeow.co.uk/post/a-feline-mystery-why-cats-are-so-deeply-associated-with-spirituality). Cats can supposedly sense when a place or situation feels off, and will act skittish or try to lead their owner away from potential danger.
While there is no scientific evidence that cats have psychic or supernatural powers, their innate senses and intuition are highly attuned in ways humans are still trying to fully understand. At the very least, paying attention to a cat’s behavior can provide clues about an environment or situation that we might otherwise overlook.
Cats in Folklore
Throughout history and across cultures, cats have featured prominently in myths and legends. In folklore, cats are often portrayed as mysterious, magical creatures with supernatural abilities.
In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and even worshipped as gods. The Egyptian goddess Bastet had the head of a cat and embodied protection, fertility, and motherhood. Killing a cat in ancient Egypt could result in the death penalty. (Barnes & Noble)
In European folklore, black cats were thought to be witches in disguise or demonic spirits. If a black cat crossed your path, it was considered bad luck. Sailors believed that having a black cat onboard their ship was good luck. (Barnes & Noble)
In some myths, cats are depicted as cunning tricksters. In Nordic folktales, the cat is seen as a shapeshifter that can transform into a beautiful woman to seduce men. Japanese folklore tells of the nekomata, or demon cat, that could shapeshift and bring about terrible curses.
Across many cultures, black cats in particular are viewed as omens, either good or bad. Their magical and mysterious reputation endures to this day.
Cats in Religion
Cats have had various roles in different religions and cultures throughout history. Here we explore some of their religious and spiritual significance:
In Islam, cats are respected and honored. According to Islamic tradition, cats were beloved by the prophet Muhammad, and a story tells of a cat that fell asleep on his cloak once and to avoid disturbing the cat, he cut the piece of his cloak off rather than move the cat.1 Muslims also believe that cats can see and sense spirits that humans cannot.
In Christianity, cats do not play a major role in the Bible. However, there are a few mentions of cats in the Bible that indicate they were present in ancient Israelite communities.2 Some Christians see cats as representing independence or as a symbol of a sinner in need of redemption. However, cats as pets are generally accepted in Christianity.
In Norse mythology, the goddess Freya was said to ride a chariot drawn by cats. Her chariot was pulled by two gray cats called Bygul and Trjegul. This association linked cats to divinity, magic and mysticism in Norse culture.3
In ancient Egypt, cats were sacred animals and were even worshipped as deities. The cat goddess Bastet was among the most important gods and goddesses in ancient Egypt. Cats were so revered that killing a cat was punishable by death.1
So while cats have held various roles and significance in different religions, they are often seen as mystical, magical creatures connected to the divine. Their abilities to see the unseen and their air of mystery has intrigued people of faith for millennia.
Conclusion
After examining the historical and cultural beliefs about cats as omens, the evidence shows mixed opinions. In some cultures, like Ancient Egypt, cats were revered and considered powerful good luck charms. However, in medieval Europe, black cats were associated with witchcraft and seen as bad omens due to superstition and fear. Sailors in the past had varying views on cats, with some believing they brought good luck at sea and others thinking they foretold doom.
Overall, the research indicates cats have been viewed both positively and negatively across different cultures and time periods when used as symbolic omens. While some of the folklore around cats can be entertaining, modern scientific evidence does not support the idea that cats or any animals have supernatural predictive abilities. Ultimately, cats are complex living creatures whose presence provides companionship and joy to those who care for them.