Cats as Familiars

“Tenderness and destruction are parts of the same coin”

    As we have studied witchcraft throughout the semester, one question that continues to baffle me is why cats are often depicted as witches' familiars. As an owner of 2 cats (one being my family cat, the other being my roommate’s cat that I am a partial mother to), I find it difficult to fathom that these beautiful creatures could be capable of evil. Sure, every cat has its own personality, some being more affectionate while others are (literally) feral. But dogs also have different personalities, and not all of them are kind. With these questions in mind, I figured it was time to do research on how cats have been perceived over time.

    Familiars are defined as “supernatural entities, interdimensional beings, or spiritual guardians that would protect or assist witches and cunning folk in their practice of magic, divination, and spiritual insight.” according to Wikipedia. References to cats and their interactions with humans can be traced back to ancient times. According to PBS, in the settlement of Çatalhöyük, which thrived around 7000 BCE, a sculpture of a woman shows her in a birthing position with her hands resting on the backs of two leopards. This example shows a direct line between cats and motherhood. Considering that witchcraft is inherently unmotherly, many witches are depicted as being alone and lacking children, it makes me more curious as to how cats shifted to be associated with them.

    Some examples of women and cats being linked to having power and control include Durga, Cybele, and Freya. Durga is a Hindu figure who “is worshiped as both a nurturing mother and menacing warrior” (PBS). Cybele was a Roman goddess who was surrounded by lions and thought to guard victims of war and had the power to inflict harm. Freya is the Norse goddess of love, and she is commonly shown riding a chariot that is manned by cats. She is generally seen as graceful, but she is also the leader of the Valkyries. 

    What would be a discussion of cats' cultural significance throughout history without talking about the ancient Egyptians? The worshipping of cats was deeply practical. As more grain was stored in Egypt, it brought rodent issues, which attracted cats. These cats helped control the pests which led to their favored position in society. Looking at mythology, however, cats were seen more as a source of evil rather than an asset. The story of Hera, Zeus, and Alcmene popularized the association of cats with unpredictable women. After defeating the Nemean lion, Zeus impregnated Alcmene. When his wife Hera found out, she sent Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth to delay the birth. Galinthias, Alcmene’s midwife, was able to distract Eileithyia which allowed her son to be born. Hera, with fury and vengefulness, turned Galinthias into a cat. As Christianity spread, the relationship between evil women and cats fostered fear of dark magic and the unknown. Even Pope Gregory IX denounced black cats as agents of Satan, which is a clear connection to their association with the witchhunts that followed.

    Even today, cats have a moderately negative association with them. Some people are deeply afraid of these creatures and truly believe they are a sign of bad luck. I think the mystery behind cats is intriguing rather than scary. I hope that in the future, we can continue to appreciate cats for what they are and not pin them in a box as all good or all bad. They are complex creatures that deserve loving homes just as any other animal.