Why are cats associated with witches?

 Cats and Halloween: A Timeless Partnership

Cats hold a special place in Halloween festivities, often featured in decorations and costumes, with many partygoers donning cat ears and whiskers for the occasion. But how did cats, particularly black ones, become so closely associated with Halloween? Let's delve into the history of this fascinating connection.

Black Cats and the Middle Ages

While cats were once revered as deities, their status changed dramatically over time. In the 14th century, black cats became associated with the devil, leading to their persecution during the Black Death pandemic. Tragically, many black cats were killed, a decision that likely worsened the plague's impact since cats could have helped control the rat population that spread the disease.

The Church vs. Witches

The term "witchcraft" may carry negative connotations today, but it originally meant "craft of the wise," derived from the Old English words "Wicca" and "wicce." Witches were known for their knowledge of potions and healing. However, the Christian Church opposed people seeking solutions from witches and spread the idea that their powers came from the devil.

By the 16th century, much of Europe believed witches were malevolent, leading to trials, torture, and executions. Witches, often in harmony with nature, commonly kept cats as companions. The Celts even believed that cats were humans reincarnated as punishment for their sins. Such beliefs contributed to stories of witches transforming into cats, with some "witnesses" claiming witches sneaked into homes at night to cause harm. Under torture, some witches confessed to these crimes, further cementing the idea of the cat as a witch's familiar.

Unfortunately, this association led to cats being persecuted alongside accused witches during the witch trials.

Black Cats: Symbols of Good Luck?

Despite their troubled history, black cats are still considered good luck in many cultures, especially in places unaffected by the witch trials, such as Japan and Russia. In Japan, black cats are thought to bring single women luck in finding handsome suitors. In Scotland, a black cat appearing at your door is seen as a positive omen.

Modern-day witches, often referred to as "white witches," continue to keep cats as pets. It's no surprise, given that cats are seen as lucky animals, possibly due to their keen senses and agility—qualities that have led to the belief that they have nine lives.