Introduction
Cats have long been associated with femininity throughout history. Ancient Egyptians revered cats, particularly associating them with female deities like Bastet. In medieval Europe, cats were thought to be the favored companions of witches. Stereotypes linking cats to femininity have persisted into the modern era. This article will provide an overview of some of the reasons behind the strong association between cats and femininity.
Topics covered will include the connections between cats and female goddesses, witchcraft, grace, independence, motherhood, domesticity, passivity, softness, and small stature. Tracing this association from ancient history through to modern times provides insight into where these feminine stereotypes originated and why they continue today.
Goddesses and Cats
In ancient mythology, cats were often associated with powerful goddesses. One of the most notable examples is the Egyptian cat goddess Bastet. Bastet was depicted as a woman with a cat’s head and revered as the goddess of protection, fertility, and motherhood. Ancient Egyptians considered cats sacred animals and associated them with Bastet. Temples were built in her honor and cats were mummified and buried with great ceremony. Bastet was thought to be the protector of women and
children.
In Norse mythology, the goddess Freya was strongly linked with cats. She rode a chariot pulled by two gray cats given to her by the god Thor. Freya was associated with love, sexuality, war, and magic. Cats were seen as her sacred animal, and she was often depicted with cats. It was believed Freya could transform into a cat herself. Her connection to cats highlights her feminine and mysterious qualities in Norse myth.
Cats as Witches’ Familiars
In medieval times, cats were commonly thought to be the familiars and spiritual companions to witches. Familiars were believed to assist witches in their magic and rituals. Black cats in particular were associated with witchcraft. This connection likely arose from ancient Egyptian beliefs about cats as sacred animals linked to the moon and the female goddess Bastet. Later, during the Middle Ages when witch hunts were common, cats and especially black cats suffered from this association with witches.
Many of the women accused of witchcraft were believed to keep cats, often black cats, as their familiars. As a result, people began to see cats as mysterious, magical creatures connected to femininity and female power. Witches were thought to be able to transform their cats into demons or dark spirits that did their bidding. So cats became linked with mysterious female magic and sorcery in the minds of medieval people. This association with witchcraft and the supernatural helped cement cats’ reputation as feminine creatures.
Source: https://www.ailurophile.co.uk/?p=489
Grace and Agility
Cats are often associated with grace, agility, and elegance. Their slender, flexible bodies allow cats to make delicate, precise movements and easily leap great heights and distances. Their ability to quietly sneak up on prey also requires grace and dexterity. As a result, cats have become symbolic of feminine beauty and poise. Artists and poets have long praised the graceful movement of cats, comparing them to dancers and acrobats.
According to one study, cats were 60% more likely than dogs to demonstrate behaviors and abilities like jumping, balance, flexibility and coordination that humans perceive as graceful (How Cats Became A Symbol of Femininity). This innate grace and poise possessed by cats has led to them being associated with the feminine ideals of beauty and elegance in many cultures throughout history.
Independent and Mysterious
Cats are often seen as independent, aloof, and mysterious creatures. These traits have historically been associated with femininity in many cultures, as women were expected to be more passive, delicate, and submissive. On the other hand, independence, aloofness, and mystery have been seen as more masculine characteristics.
In patriarchal societies, femininity has traditionally been associated with weakness, whereas masculinity is tied to strength. Therefore, the self-sufficiency and elusiveness of cats contradicted expectations for femininity. However, cats came to be accepted as feminine despite embodying non-traditional female traits. Their grace, poise, and maternal instincts balanced out their fiercely autonomous natures.
As this article notes, the independent spirit of cats aligns with modern views of femininity, which celebrate women’s self-determination. The aura of mystery surrounding cats also evokes feminine mystique. So while cats exhibit both masculine and feminine qualities, their elements of aloofness and secrecy have enhanced perceptions of their femininity over time.
Motherhood and Nurturing
Cats are known for having strong maternal instincts and being nurturing mothers to their kittens. When a cat has a litter of kittens, she becomes very protective and caring of her babies. Mother cats keep their kittens close, nurse and groom them, and teach them hunting skills as they grow. According to one source, “Cats often have a reputation for being independent and aloof, except when it comes to caring for infants and young children they can show maternal instincts and nurturing behaviors” (Source). A mother cat’s devotion to her kittens and nurturing nature is seen as a very feminine quality.
Throughout history and in many cultures, motherhood and caring for children has been associated with women and femininity. The feminine energy connected to motherhood and nurturing extends to cats as well. When cats display protective, doting, and affectionate maternal behaviors towards their kittens, it reinforces perceptions of them as feminine creatures. Their maternal instincts and nurturing side aligns with traditional female gender roles surrounding motherhood and caring for young. This is one reason why cats are strongly linked to feminine energy and womanhood.
Domestic House Pets
Cats have a long history of being domesticated as house pets, associated with the domestic realm and women’s domain of the home. Since ancient Egyptian times when cats were revered in the home, cats have been closely linked to the female role of caring for the household. This association carried into the Middle Ages in Europe, when cats were common indoors assisting with rodent control and companionship.
During the Victorian era in the 19th century, cats soared in popularity as pampered pets and loyal companions within bourgeois households run by women. The rise of cat breeding and cat shows also aligned felines with women’s interests in Europe and America. Today, cats remain prevalent as domestic house pets bonded with women, who make up the majority of cat owners.
Passive and Delicate
Cats are often seen as more passive and delicate creatures compared to dogs. Historically, dogs have been bred and used for more active roles like hunting, herding, and guarding. Cats, on the other hand, have traditionally been kept as companions and mousers around the home rather than working animals. As one Reddit user explains: “I think its because cats generally move with a more elegance, are cleaner, and have a more passive demeanor which is more associated to women.” [1]
Cats are seen as more graceful and agile, often leaping and jumping with finesse. Their movements appear more delicate and refined compared to the brute strength of dogs. Cats may also vocalize in softer meows and purrs versus loud barks. Overall, the passive nature and physical characteristics of cats have associated them with traditional feminine qualities like grace and delicacy.
Soft and Small
Cats are often valued for their soft, silky coats and small, delicate builds in contrast to the rough coats and large, muscular builds of masculine animals like dogs and horses. This reinforces the perception of cats as feminine. For example, two of the world’s smallest cat breeds are the Singapura and Burmese, which weigh only 4-6 lbs as adults. Their tiny, kitten-like size contributes to the idea that cats are dainty and delicate. Additionally, cats are known for their soft fur that is often described as silky or plush. Breeds like the Persian and Ragdoll are prized for their long, flowing coats that emphasize their graceful femininity.
Conclusion
In summary, cats have traditionally been associated with femininity for several reasons, including their connections to ancient goddesses, witches’ familiars, grace, agility, independence, mystery, domesticity, motherhood, delicacy, and daintiness. Historically, these traits have been linked to stereotypical views of womanhood. The perception of cats as feminine beings persists today in popular culture, language, and attitudes. While this association has contributed to harmful stereotypes like the “crazy cat lady,” it has also led to cats being beloved as pets and symbols of beauty, elegance, and grace.
Though simplistic gender binaries are being re-examined, the longstanding feminine coding of cats continues to influence modern views. However, people should be wary of applying limiting stereotypes based on the animal’s gender. Appreciating cats based on their unique personalities and attributes as living creatures, beyond human notions of gender, allows for more ethical and meaningful human-feline relationships.