The cat is considered to be an animal of the Goddess. The cat is also the animal most often associated with witches. In Scotland, the Mother of Witches was called "Mither o' the Mawkins" (cats).
The familiar (magical pet) was considered the mediator between the witch and the forces of nature. The familiar does not have to be a cat--it can be any animal. Animals live attuned to the rhythms of nature, and to develop a relationship with an animal is to become closer to that same attunement.

The ancestors of the domestic cat were revered by the ancient Egyptians. In Egypt, the cat was sacred to Bast (Cat-mother of the city of Bubastis) and Pasht. Bast was representative of the gentle aspects of the cat; Pasht represented the aggressive aspects. Egyptians gave the cat the name mau because of the sound it made. Sometimes the Egyptians depicted Ra in the form of a cat striking a serpent to symbolize the power of good over evil. So revered was the cat that after death, the temple cats of Bast were mummified and buried with great ceremony.

Cats were considered both a lunar and solar animal in ancient cultures. They were thought to be psychic, predicting oncoming disasters. People also thought they could influence the weather, due to their nervous behavior and vocal tendencies before electrical storms.
There are many other dieties connected with cats. Artemis sometimes took the form of a cat; Diana was called the Mother of Cats. The Roman goddess Liberty was often portrayed with a cat at her feet. In Norse myth, Freyja's chariot was pulled by cats.

Cats in the Celtic traditions were associated with the Underworld and with prophecy. There are Irish legends telling of a cat called Little Cat, a guardian of treasure. In Wales, Great Cat was born of Henwen (an enchanted sow) and was considered a powerful being.

Black cats got a negative reputation during the Middle Ages. Because their eyes glowed brightly in the dark, and their body could not be seen, it seemed as if they could disappear at will.
Medieval belief in the cat's nine lives may have arisen from the Egyptian Ennead through the mythic figure of the Ninefold Goddess. It was sometimes said that a witch could assume the shape of a cat nine times during her life.

Chant
Cat-power, come to me.
Friendly spirits I would see.
Let me see their face and form,
Knowing I am safe from harm.
Cat-power, come to me.
Friendly spirits I would see.

In Britain a black cat crossing the road or entering a house is considered
to be good luck.

A sneezing cat is said to bring good luck to a bride, as well as being a sign of rain.

If a stray cat comes to your home, money should follow.

If a black cat crosses a road, the next person passing gets a wish.

In Victorian divination, one would concentrate on a question and then watch a cat. If it entered the room right paw first, the answer to the question was yes.

The cat is a popular amuletic symbol to protect travelers on their journeys.

Cat Symbolism

Balance, Wisdom, Reincarnation.
A cat catching a mouse may mean success, swift movement,
or quick decisions; a slumbering cat symbolizes a new sense of peacefulness
in your life. A cat is a time-honored symbol of magic;
look for an increase in your spiritual energy.

Sources
Conway, Animal Magick
Cunningham, The Magical Household
Telesco, Folkways
Telesco, A Victorian Grimoire
Walker, The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets

Cat Links

This is an extraordinary site; beautiful graphics, wonderful content

With a name like that, this site has to be lovely!

This Clan of the Cave Cat site is owned by ghostmoon. Want to join the Clan of the Cave Cat Ring?
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