Cats and Witches: A Timeless Bond of Mystery and Magic
Throughout history, a profound fascination has been inspired by the partnership between cats and witches. From medieval folklore to modern pop culture, this iconic duo has been symbolized by mystery, independence, and arcane power. However, the question remains: how was such a close association established between cats and witches? Thus, the tale must be unraveled to reveal how felines were placed within the world of spells, cauldrons, and moonlit enchantment.
Ancient Beginnings:
Sacred and Mysterious Creatures
Long before medieval Europe was shaped, the story of cats and magic had already begun. In ancient Egypt, cats were regarded as sacred beings. Indeed, they were revered for their elegance and hunting prowess, and connections were drawn between them and deities such as Bastet—the feline goddess of protection, fertility, and motherhood. Consequently, it was believed that cats could ward off evil spirits and bad luck. This belief is thought to have laid the foundation for their later mystical roles.
Meanwhile, in both Celtic and Norse traditions, cats were seen as creatures of the Otherworld. Frequently, they were linked to goddesses such as Freyja, the Norse deity of love and magic, whose chariot was pulled by two large cats. Through these early associations, cats were portrayed as divine, powerful, and deeply magical animals.
Medieval Europe:
Fear, Folklore, and the Witch Trials
During the Middle Ages, a dark turn was taken in the cat-witch relationship. As Christianity was spread throughout Europe, it was placed in conflict with pagan beliefs that often celebrated nature, animals, and female spiritual leaders. Therefore, cats—especially black ones—were targeted and turned into scapegoats through religious propaganda that accused so-called witches of dark practices.
In 13th-century Europe, a papal decree was issued by Pope Gregory IX, whereby black cats were linked to devil worship. As a result, mass killings of cats were carried out. Ironically, these actions may have contributed to the rise of the bubonic plague, since the rodent population—previously controlled by cats—was allowed to explode.
Later, during the witch trials of the 15th to 18th centuries, cats were frequently cited as familiars—spiritual companions believed to assist witches in magical workings. In particular, black cats were said to be witches in disguise or demons that had been sent to aid them. Consequently, many women who kept cats were accused of practicing witchcraft.
Familiars:
Spiritual Companions and Guardians
The idea of the familiar was made central to European witch lore. Familiars were believed to be spirits that had taken animal form and had been gifted to witches by supernatural forces. Although familiars could appear as dogs, toads, or birds, cats were most often represented—perhaps because their nocturnal habits, independence, and piercing gaze were seen as harboring secrets.
Furthermore, it was thought that familiars helped witches to cast spells, gather information, and provide protection. In some folklore, it was even believed that cats could communicate telepathically with their witch companions. In this way, their reputation was further deepened as magical intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds.
Black Cats:
Harbingers of Doom or Symbols of Good Luck?
Because the color black was associated with night, death, and the unknown, heavy symbolism was carried by black cats in medieval superstition. Therefore, during times of fear and unrest, black cats were made easy targets.
In many Western cultures, black cats were viewed as omens of bad luck or death. Even today, it is believed by some that a black cat crossing your path is a sign of misfortune. Nevertheless, this belief has not been accepted universally.
In contrast, in Japanese and Scottish folklore, black cats are considered symbols of good luck and prosperity. In ancient Britain, black cats were brought aboard ships by sailors who believed that storms and evil spirits could be kept at bay by their presence.
Modern Revival:
Pop Culture, Empowerment, and Reclaiming the Image
Today, a more positive and empowering image has been reclaimed by the cat-and-witch partnership. In pop culture, films such as Hocus Pocus, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Kiki’s Delivery Service have featured strong female leads who are accompanied by feline companions.
Through these portrayals, the bond between women and cats has been celebrated, often emphasizing intuition, independence, and strength. For many, the cat is no longer seen as a sign of evil but as a symbol of female power and spiritual wisdom.
Additionally, in the realm of modern witchcraft and Wicca, an important role continues to be played by cats. Practitioners often regard them as magical beings, capable of sensing energies, protecting sacred spaces, and guiding meditative work. Their presence is regarded as calming, grounding, and spiritually enriching.
Why the Bond Endures
So why has this connection between cats and witches been sustained through centuries of change?
The answer may be found in the qualities that are shared by both. Both cats and witches have long been misunderstood, feared, and admired. Both are seen as independent, mysterious, and powerful in ways that resist simple explanation. Thus, they continue to intrigue people around the world.
Cats are not commanded; rather, their own paths are chosen. In a similar way, witches are often seen as rebels who challenge conventional authority in search of deeper truths. Together, they have been seen as representing the eternal dance between freedom, mysticism, and the unknown.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Magic
Whether it is viewed through the lens of ancient mythology, medieval superstition, or modern spirituality, the bond between cats and witches is considered as magical as ever. This relationship is rooted in symbolism, storytelling, and shared essence.
Therefore, the next time a cat is seen crossing your path—especially a black one—it may be worth pausing for a moment. You might be catching a glimpse of something ancient, magical, and deeply meaningful.
References
Books & Academic Sources
Gaskill, Malcolm. Witchfinders: A Seventeenth-Century English Tragedy. Harvard University Press, 2005.
Hutton, Ronald. The Witch: A History of Fear, from Ancient Times to the Present. Yale University Press, 2017.
Serpell, James. In the Company of Animals: A Study of Human-Animal Relationships. Cambridge University Press, 1996.
Purkiss, Diane. The Witch in History: Early Modern and Twentieth-Century Representations. Routledge, 1996.
Levack, Brian P. The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Europe. Pearson, 2006.
Web Articles & Encyclopedias
Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Witchcraft.” https://www.britannica.com/topic/witchcraft
History.com Editors. “History of Witches.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 12 Sep. 2017. https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/history-of-witches
The British Library. “Magic, Witches and Devils in the Early Modern World.” https://www.bl.uk/collection-guides/magic-witches-and-devils
National Geographic. “How Cats Became Sacred Animals in Ancient Egypt.” https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/cats-in-ancient-egypt
Folklore & Cultural References
Lyons, Malcolm C. Cats in Myth and Magic. HarperCollins, 2000.
Gale, Richard M. “The Black Cat in Folklore and Superstition.” Journal of American Folklore, vol. 65, no. 258, 1952, pp. 376–382.
