Cats ; the magic paw

            A small, furry, carnivorous creature that can be domesticated, cats are a social animal. These days most people like to keep it as a pet but having a look in the history, reveals that cats are rather a mysterious creatures. They have been documented in the past with fervent character in the history.

Originally they were domesticated in houses because of their pest controlling nature. They hunted mice that eats stored grains. It was a beneficiary for both creatures: cat got its food and humans got food protection and pest control. This symbiosis relationship can still be seen up to this day.

In ancient Egypt cats were known as ‘mau’ and had an influential role in Egyptian history. They were the allies of the goddesses Ba’at and Isis. In mythology, the goddess Freyja was associated to travel in a chariot with her two cats. For availing Freyja’s special feline compassion, farmers use to leave pans of milk in their farm, believing that they will get protection to their crop. In Greek history, goddess Bast was known as the protector of cats and those who protect them.

         But in 16^th century, Folklore said that cats can suffocate newborns to death, by putting their nose in the mouth, sucking their breath out of their body.

         Generally, black cats are considered to be unlucky. They are believed to be associated with death and darkness. Some people still takes it ominous if a black cat cross their path. One reason is their traditional link with the witches, who have been known to work for devil. Another reason for the association of black cats with witches is an old myth. It was believed that the black cats are born at the end of the blackberry season, which according to a legend is the time of the year when Satan was thrown out of the heaven. It landed on the blackberry bush which he then defiled with his urine and spittle. Similarly white cats, exhibiting the color of ghosts are contrariwise considered as unlucky while tortoiseshell cats are regarded as lucky.

         During middle ages, it was said that the witches performed the witch crafting, had successfully learned the trickery of shapeshifting into other animals, particularly cats. So the religious leaders believed that cats were pure evil and sent from the devil to assist him in his evil deeds. In Egyptian or witch folks cat was not worshiped by itself but it was believed that cats are able to “see” beyond this world. In the era when witches were hunted and eradicated for their evil magic, the hunters targeted hundreds of cats because of their possibility of being a shape shifted witch. The cats faced the same fate as their human counterparts.

        Weather the cat was esteemed as in Egyptian time or condemned as in middle Ages, it is clear that this has been credited by many for having a connection to other realm.

         In West African Ewe people, cats are considered as a delicacy, who believes that by eating cat meat specially its head, brings good luck. It will also prevent them from dying in a foreign land.

In modern culture cats have also been featured prominently. For instance, Mimsey named cat was used as their mascot by MTM Enterprises and featured in their logo. Cats also frequently appear as memes and other humor on social media etc.