Cat magic and cat superstitions in an infographic

The nature of the cat has very much encouraged people to grant the animal with mystical powers and even sorcery. The cat’s excellent physical abilities, elegant and stealthy behavior plus a refined anatomy and an ability to see in the dark have allowed superstitious people to believe that the cat has magical powers. These beliefs are almost as prevalent today in some parts of the world as they were in Medieval Europe. Cat superstitions is a very relevant topic.

The cat’s ability to survive has so impressed people that they have conferred on it the ability to live nine lives not one. These superstitions have both benefited the cat such as in Ancient Egypt where they were worshipped but also, they have caused the cat great harm as also evidenced in Ancient Egypt where young cats were bred and killed and sacrifices to the god Bastet to bring good luck.

The human is inherently superstitious. Notice Rafael Nadal, the legendary tennis professional placing his bottles in a set pattern in front of his chair when competing and his avoidance of the lines on the court when walking back to the umpire’s chair on changeover.

People are often superstitious because such beliefs provide a sense of control and understanding in an unpredictable world. Superstitions can stem from cultural traditions, personal experiences, or the desire to ward off misfortune. They offer comfort, especially during uncertain times, and can influence behavior through the reinforcement of specific rituals or practices believed to bring good luck or prevent negative outcomes.

The unfortunate truth is that the human is a fearful race of people. They fear a lot of things; the most important of which is death. Religion helps people cope with fear as does superstition and the two often collide as is evidenced in Medieval Europe and the persecution of the cat for hundreds of years.

• MORE: Indonesia – cat superstition
• MORE: Vietnam cat superstitions
• MORE: Philippines and cat superstitions