Whether you are a cat person or not, chances are that you have heard any number of superstitions and sayings about cats. Some of them are silly and some can sound a bit sinister, but no matter the thought, cats have long been a part of cultural references. In fact, of all the animals in creation, there is likely more folklore, myths, mysteries, stories, and “beliefs” associated with cats than any other animal. After all, no one talks about dogs having nine lives!
So, given the month of October and all the lore often associated with it, we thought it would be fun to share some of the many superstitions and says having to do with cats.
Cat Superstitions from Around the World
- In the Netherlands, cats are believed to be gossips who will tell all your secrets. Hence, people, there are not inclined to whisper secrets to their feline housemates.
- If a cat suddenly starts grooming themselves, for no apparent reason, the Japanese believe that you are soon to have unexpected company. In America, some cat lovers believe that if a cat starts cleaning its whiskers that it is a sign that a visit from clergy is imminent. Hmmm…. these clues could be useful!
- In Indonesia, it is believed that a wet cat can make it rain. So, if the weather is especially dry a farmer or gardener might pour water over a cat to encourage rain.
- In Italy, it is believed that hearing a cat sneeze means that money is heading your way.
- Many Amish believe that putting a cat in a baby cradle means a baby is on the way: however if that cat jumps out then conception could a long time. In connection with this, according to Pennsylvania German tradition, if a single woman feeds a cat from her shoe then she will get married.
- Cats in the United Kingdom – Irish lore has it that if you kill a cat, you will have 17 years of bad luck; the Welsh as well as the French, believe that if a woman steps on a cat’s tail she will remain single that year; and in other parts of the U. K., it is thought that if you chase a cat you will be cursed with bad luck- forever.
- Also, in Japan, it is believed that black cats can heal sick children, and guard against evil, that light cats bring silver to your home while dark-colored cats will bring gold into your home.
- In Colonial America days, it was believed that if a cat sat with its back to the fire then there was going to be a cold snap soon. Also during the time, the colonists believed that if a cat washed her face in front of several people then the first person the cat looks at afterward would be the next one married.
- French peasants believed that a black cat could find a buried treasure as long as this specific process occurred: Find an intersection where 6 roads connected, then turn the cat loose and follow them…..next stop- treasure. A second French superstition is that if you find a single white hair on a black cat you will have good luck.
- Sailors believed that if a cat was thrown overboard a terrible storm would come. Their wives, however, believed that keeping a black would bring good luck and protect their husbands at sea.
Cats are a favorite pet for many people and as such there will always be stories and folklore associated with them. But no matter the scenario, cat lovers will continue to cherish their furry friends and spoil them, while being entertained by them for decades to come. And, should you find yourself with questions regarding your feline friend(s), be sure to talk to your veterinarian or give us a call- especially if you are looking for someone to help out with cat sitting!
