St.-Petersburg Humane Society
of rescuing neglected animals
«SERVICE FOR HELPING CATS»

Do not ignore
someone`s trouble,  
Even if a simple kitten 
needs your help!

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Beliefs connected with cats
At all times people were not adequate in their attitude towards cats, quite often ascribing to them magic properties, connection with gods, mysticism, misfortunes to them. Their coloration was also of importance. Black beauties were happy if they were born in Britain or Australia. The locals considered them to bring luck, and if a black cat settled down aboard a ship it would be auspicious at sea. In Yorkshire, a sailor went to sea with a light heart if a black cat stayed at his home with his wife. This brought about stealing of cats. But it is not everywhere that they are treated properly. In Russia, lots of people still think that if a black cat crosses your path you’ll be unlucky

Cats were also ascribed a gift of prediction, e.g.

If a cat has sneezed wait for a rain,

If it raised a hind leg wait for wind,

If it washes itself wait for guests,

And it is common knowledge, if it covers its nose wait for frost.

The most ardent fans of cats lived in ancient Egypt where they were considered sacred, and Bast, one of the most revered goddesses, protector of cats, was depicted with a cat’s head. Murder of a cat was considered an extremely grave crime. Both home and homeless cats were honoured. If a home pet died, its burial proceeded according to all the rituals. The soul of the mistress of the house was believed to find peace in a cat’s body.

It was not always that felines life was a fairytale, there were really black times for them. In Middle Ages sacred inquisition ascribed connection with the devil to cats, moreover they were considered his tools. Cats were not spared were it black, white or spotted. Since the cats persisted in their refusal to repent they were tortured, burnt and drowned.

In spite of this, many people still believe that cats are capable of treating and went to sleep on top of the sick organ of the owner to heal it. While hair and bones are often used in making good luck amulets or, vice versa, in black magic.

Today, cats have securely got their place as family pets, they bring joy and wonder.