Superstitions About Cats That May Surprise You

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Our mysterious feline friends have been revered, feared, loved and hated for thousands of years. Many superstitions have been created that relate to the allegedly good or bad luck that cats can bring. Below are eight superstitions that center around that aforementioned luck.

Never Chase A Black Cat

Apart from it not being a very nice thing to do, it is held that chasing a black cat will bring the pursuer bad luck.Superstition has it that a woman who once chased a black cat from her door went on to lose twenty-three relatives over a period of several years.

If You Forget To Feed A Cat

Ever forgotten to feed your cat? Apparently it means that it is going to rain on Wednesday.

If by chance you did miss kitty's feeding time you will be able to get the heads up about Wednesday's rainfall as it has been said that rain is on its way if a cat's whiskers are drooping!

Stray Cat Strutting

If you find yourself being followed by a stray cat then be pleased... this is a sign of good luck.

Make Sure You Don't Do This

Superstition holds that it is bad luck to step on a cat and also that rheumatism will develop in a leg that kicks a cat.

Stepping over a cat has also been associated with the bringing of bad luck.

Dream About Cats?

Yes, there are even superstitions about cats in dreams!

Allegedly if you find yourself dreaming about a tabby then this will bring good luck to your home, dreaming of a tortoise-shell cat means you are lucky in love and if you want to hit the jackpot financially or in business then it has been said that dreaming of a ginger cat is the way to go!

Cats On The High Seas

A superstition, among sailors, that has held for many years is that it is good luck to have a cat aboard the ship for the journey. Given the potential for rat infestations on board the old sailing vessels, it is understandable that our feline friends were seen as lucky.

Wedding Day Good Fortune

It is a sign that the marriage is to be a happy one if a cat sneezes near the bride on her wedding day.

Cats And Cold Weather

If a cat is laying down with all four of its paws tucked underneath while it is sleeping then this is said to be a sign that cold weather is approaching.

Savvy tips and interesting info for cat and dog lovers and professionals working with cats and dogs can be found on my blog here www.zoro-mypet.blogspot.com

Credit: John Deeprose

Cat Signs

Cats have a reputation for being a bit mysterious, but devoted owners often come to love their kitten's quirks and personality. Understanding their way of communicating with you is the best way to appreciate their love!

Cats communicate with each other using voice, smell, movements and pose. Their language is universal, just like love. A cat from China can easily understand a cat from Germany. So here are some ways of how they express their feelings to you.

Body Language

Active, quick, muscular, graceful, with athletic body - all these words can be said about healthy cats. They use their bodies in extremely expressive manner. Cats might be the experts at reticence. If a cat sprawls before you, that means she feels comfortable and confidently. If she turns over to the back. that, probably, means she is in good spirits and feels slack and playful.

Eyes meet eyes!

Eyes are the mirror of the soul and it is quite true for cats. Cats will never delude you. Each time you cat is looking at you to understand what you want. If your cat has been looking at you for some seconds, then blinks and turns away, that means it recognizes you but doesn't invite you to communicate with it. Don't worry it's not rude! The pupils of the eye will say more. If they are dilated they seem to cry with fear. If you are not sure whether your cat is frightened or not, look at its pupils. Wide open eyes and dilated pupils mean that something awful is coming. If you cat acts aggressively, its pupil may turn to narrow slits.

Tail tells!

If you can read what the cat's tail is telling you, you will know what is on its mind. The tail could stick straight up. In this case it is used to demonstrate self-confidence and a sense of pride. Cats that carry their tails this way walk very pompously. When your cat is frightened, its tail looks like a bottle brush. If the tail is fluffy and looks bigger that it is, it signifies the mixture of false courage and fear.

Quick swings of the tail is a joyous greeting, the cat rubs against your legs, purrs showing its joy about your coming home.

 Sounds Purr-rrrfect!

Purring is the most mysterious process that you may imagine. Most cat owners think cats are purring when they're satisfied. It's true but not the only condition under which cats purr. However, It also happens when cats are feeling pain.

Purring means you are spending time together with harmony. That means to stretch your hand to your best friend at night. These are moments when your cat pushes its head and your chin when you are sad. Whatever it means, in such a way cats express bliss as well. There is no doubt that this is the most beautiful sound among those cats utter.

What greater gift than the love of a cat?

Credit: Kamran Awan

Understanding Your Cat's Communication

Cats have always been considered rather mysterious creatures. While cats have a universal way to communicate with each other, they have different ways of communicating with us. Every cat has a different personality but loving owners come to recognize their unique traits. Here are some ways they express themselves.

Body Language

Cats are quick, active and muscular felines. They have athletic bodies and move gracefully. Their lean bodies can be very expressive. When your cat sprawls out in front of you, he is feeling confident and relaxed. If he rolls onto his back showing his belly, he is feeling lazy and in good spirits. This is considered a sign that he feels loved and protected. If his paws are curved under him, he is feeling secure.

Eye Contact

Your cats eyes are very expressive. When your cat stares into your eyes, it's considered a gesture of affection. Researchers claim, if your cat stares into your eyes than blinks, opens its eyes wide, stares and blinks again, that this is like your cat giving you a kiss. A sure sign that he trusts and loves you. If his eyes are dilated, this is a sign of fear. Watch your cats eyes, dilated pupils mean something has caused fear in him. When they become aggressive, their eyes may turn into narrow slits.

Tail Movement

A cats' tail will give you insight into your cats mind. When they hold their tail straight up, they are demonstrating confidence and pride. They move with a pompous regal stride. If your cat has its tail upright with a slight curve at the top, this is considered a sign of happiness and warmth. Watch for the fluffy bottle brush tail. This is an indication of fear and false courage. Your cat may greet you with quick swings of its tail which means he's happy to see you.

Purring

Purring is probably the most known form of communication owners recognize. While there are many mysteries behind purring, most owners feel it means their cat is happy. Many times cats purr when you scratch that special spot or rub against their head while relaxing. It means your living with your kitty in harmony. This is, no doubt, the best sound cats make. However, your cat may purr if it's in pain as well.

Vocal Sounds

Cats can very vocal when they want. When dinner time is approaching, your cat may follow you around meowing for his food. Other times, he may meow to try to locate you in the house. When he's playful, he may "talk" to encourage you to play. Of course, we all know of the high-pitched screech a cat can make when frightened.

Following You

Your cat truly enjoys your company when he follows you around. He may jump from surface to surface just to be close to you. This is thought to be a very loving gesture and says he wants to spend time with you.

Every cat has a different way to communicate with us. They show their feelings in ways we don't always recognize. Watch for some of these common signs to see how your cat is feeling.

I have always had Zoro in my home. Watching the way he communicates is so much fun. He can be so expressive. Enjoy every gesture and conversation you have with your cats.

Credit: Tammy Thomas