Cats and Historical Perceptions
Cats, particularly in Western history, have been tied to femininity, independence, and mystery. In ancient cultures like Egypt, cats were revered, often linked to goddesses like Bastet. However, in medieval Europe, cats became associated with superstition and the occult, partly because of their nocturnal nature and elusive behavior. Women, especially those who were single, elderly, or nonconformist, were often depicted as keeping cats, which reinforced a connection between cats and “unruly” women who defied patriarchal norms.
The patriarchy, as a system of male-dominated power, often seeks to control or suppress symbols of independence or nonconformity. Cats, with their self-sufficient and unpredictable nature, could be seen as embodying traits that challenge rigid control. Women who were associated with cats—especially those labeled as witches during the Middle Ages—were often targeted as threats to patriarchal order. This wasn’t about hating cats per se but about what they symbolized: autonomy and resistance to male authority.
Black Cats and Superstition
Black cats, in particular, got a bad rap due to their association with witchcraft and bad luck in European folklore. During the witch hunts (roughly 15th–17th centuries), black cats were often seen as familiars—supernatural entities that assisted witches. The Church, a key patriarchal institution at the time, demonized these associations to consolidate power and suppress pagan or folk practices. Black cats, with their striking appearance, became easy scapegoats for fears of the unknown, much like the women accused of witchcraft.
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Property Seizure:
- In many regions, a convicted witch’s property could be confiscated by the state, church, or local authorities. For example, in parts of Germany and Scotland, the estates of convicted witches were seized, sometimes redistributed to local elites or used to fund the costly trials.
- Widows or single women who inherited land or wealth were prime targets. Accusing them of witchcraft provided a pretext to strip them of assets, as their conviction (or execution) left their property vulnerable to seizure or redistribution to male relatives, neighbors, or officials.
Social Control:
The association of witchcraft with women tied into patriarchal fears of female autonomy, sexuality, and knowledge; were often framed as dangerous or demonic.
Witch hunts reinforced patriarchal norms by punishing women who defied expectations (e.g., living alone, practicing herbal medicine, or being outspoken). This sent a message to other women to conform or risk similar fates.
Did you know that many Ancient Civilizations (Maya, Aztec, Ancient China, and Ancient Egypt )Â used calendars with a 13 Lunar months vs the modern patriarchy’s 12 month Solar. Citing 13 as being Unlucky, and associating it with witch craft and clashing with Christianity’s 6 day work week, with the 7th for the weekly sabbath. Mandated by Kings and their Gods of Old.