Pawsessed: Cat Superstitions That Haunt Us

Cats walk silently between worlds, stare into corners that definitely don’t need staring into, and somehow always know when something’s about to happen. Coincidence? Or purr-inormal activity?

For centuries, cats have haunted myths, guarded souls, and crept through the flickering candlelight of every ghost story worth telling. They’re protectors, tricksters, and maybe just a little too comfortable with the supernatural.

Egypt: Keepers of the Afterlife

In ancient Egypt, cats were sacred to Bastet, goddess of protection and the afterlife. They were mummified with their owners and buried with milk and jewelry to guide souls through the underworld. Upsetting a cat could curse your household. So if yours knocks over a vase at 3 a.m., maybe don’t get annoyed. Offer tuna.

Scotland: The Cat Sìth

The Cat Sìth of Scottish legend is a giant black cat with a white patch on its chest that prowls the Highlands during Samhain. It was said to steal souls before they could pass on, so people left out bowls of milk to keep it happy. So if you hear faint purring near an empty chair – offer it some milk.

Japan: The Bakeneko

Japan tells of the Bakeneko, an ordinary cat that grows old, too clever, and a little too powerful. It can shapeshift, talk, and summon the dead. Some bring luck. Others bring chaos. If your cat starts walking on two legs, it’s probably time to call in a spiritual cleanser.

Italy: The Midnight Guardian

Italian folklore says cats see what humans can’t. If one sits at your feet and stares into the dark, it isn’t being weird - it’s guarding you from something. Whether that’s comforting or terrifying depends on how much you trust your cat.

Russia: The Spirit Tester

Before moving into a new home, Russians once let a cat walk in first. If it relaxed, the spirits were friendly. If it bolted, well… maybe find a different address. Cats have always been the best ghost detectors - no batteries required.

The Witch’s Familiar

In medieval Europe, black cats were accused of helping witches cast spells. They were said to slip through keyholes, spy for their owners, and whisper secrets to the moon. Centuries later, they still have that same bewitching aura. Maybe they never stopped listening.

Happy Halloween!

By Cosmo the Cat

Purr-anormal & History Investigator

Smart, resourceful, and slightly spooky, Cosmo uncovers cat mysteries from ancient Egypt to your living room. When he’s not chasing ghosts, he’s probably staring at one.

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