Friday, August 13, 2010

Friday the 13th: Cat Superstitions



Cat's eye
I'm not really a superstitious kind of gal, though I will admit to consciously walking around a ladder rather than beneath it on occasion. But since today is Friday the 13th, I thought it would be fun to debunk some of the superstitious mythology associated with cats.

THE CAT AS A METEOROLOGIST
According to numerous cultures, cats can predict when it will rain. Cat washing behind its ears? Rain's on the way. Cat looking out the window? Rain's on the way. Cat sneezes? Rain's on the way. Pupil of cat's eye broadens? You guessed it...rain's on the way. In addition, a cat sitting with all four paws tucked under means bad weather is coming. Lastly, if your cat is frisky or clawing at the carpet, it will be windy.

LUCKY KITTIES
Of course, we all know that cats, especially black ones, have long been associated with luck.
  • In North America, it's bad luck if a black cat crosses your path and good luck if a white cat crosses your path (unless it's at night whereas you'll have bad luck). In Britain and Ireland, it's the opposite.
  • But to reverse the bad luck curse of a black cat crossing your path, first walk in a circle, then go backward across the spot where it happened and count to 13.
  • A cat sneezing is a good omen for everyone who hears it. Wait a second, I thought that meant rain was on the way...
IN YOUR DREAMS
I typically don't dream about felines but maybe I should...
  • Dream of a tortoiseshell cat, you'll be lucky in love.
  • Dream of a ginger cat, you'll be lucky in money and business.
  • Dream of a tabby, you'll have luck for your home and all who live there.
  • Dream of a multicolored cat, you'll have luck making friends.
BEST OF THE BUNCH
I found many other cat-related superstitions, but my favorite was an old Italian proverb: "Happy is the home with at least one cat." Sage advice I must agree with! Have a lucky Friday the 13th! Ellen

Flickr Photo Source: Lord V

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