Superstitions About Cats From Around The World

Cats have always been associated with bad omens and bad luck. Perhaps no other animal is as feared and revered so much at the same time. Some cultures have worshipped cats like Gods while others have seen them as demons and signs of bad luck.

In India, a black cat crossing your way brings bad luck is a popular superstition. Similarly cats have often been associated with misfortunes, death and even witchcraft in some cultures. Superstitions about cats are actually quite interesting to read about.

Europeans have always thought of cats as witches while Egyptians have worshipped cats as Goddesses. So, are these superstitions about cats only myths? Read on to find out.

10 POPULAR INDIAN SUPERSTITIONS

European Superstitions
The Europeans in the Middle Ages believed that cats were actually witches in disguise. So, if you are killing a cat it does not necessarily mean that you are killing a witch as the witch can take the body of a cat nine times.

Egyptian Superstitions
The Egyptians held cats at a high respect. The belief that a cat has nine lives comes from the old Egyptian beliefs. Cats in Egypt were associated with the benevolent aspect of Hathor, the Lioness who was said to have nine lives.

Japanese Superstitions
In Japan, black cats are considered to be lucky omen. The black cats are supposed to heal sick children and protect against evil.

Irish Superstitions
The Irish believe that if you kill a cat then it brings seventeen years of bad luck for the person. Also if a cat crosses a person's path by moonlight, it means the person will die in an epidemic.

Old English Superstition
If you see a cat on top of a tombstone then it was believed that the deceased was definitely possessed by the devil. Two cats seen fighting near a dying person, or on the grave shortly after a funeral, are actually the Devil and an Angel fighting for possession of the soul.

Indian Superstition
In India it is a popular belief that if a black cat crosses your way it will bring bad luck or cause accidents.

Thus, superstitions about cats vary from culture to culture. Yet it is interesting that cat is the only animal which has been the common element surrounding all these superstitions around the world.