Last Updated: 4 months ago
Curious about cat superstitions by country?
Superstitions have been around and will be around for centuries.
In different cultures, a single thing can have different meanings and interpretations.
Cats are not an exception to this rule, and they are viewed differently in some cultures.
They may bring bad luck or fortune, but we will see that below.
Cat Superstitions Around the World
From white to black cats bringing good luck to bad, the world has some very interesting cat superstitions!
Take a look at some of the most intriguing!
1. Buddhist culture
In Buddhist culture, cats are bringers of material gains.
If a white cat enters your house, it will bring silver. If a black cat enters your house, it will enter with gold.
2. Celtic culture
In Celtic culture, cats born on May 1st become troublesome and mischievous. It is believed that they will bring snakes into the owner’s home.
3. China
The Chinese culture believes that cats can see ghosts and protect their people from them.
4. Egyptian culture
In ancient Egypt, cats were divinized. They were some of the most important creatures and were often assigned to Hathos, the goddess who could take a lion form.
After death, the cats were mummified, buried, and mourned, like their emperors.
5. England
English people believe that by having a black cat in your house, you will have luck in your love life. They are a sign of good luck.
6. Finland
In ancient times, the Finns believed that cats guided the dead to the afterlife.
7. France
The French also believe that black cats bring luck to all who feed them and treat them well.
This black cat with magical properties is called a “matagot.”
8. Ireland
This is a little macabre, but in Ireland, if you kill a cat, you will have seventeen years of bad, bad luck.
9. Italy
If you hear a cat sneezing, then you can consider it a good omen. It will bring you luck and fulfillment in your life.
10. Japan
In Japan, black cats are considered to bring good luck. The elders believe that they can heal sick children and protect them against all evil.
11. Madagascar
The people of the beautiful island believe that cats may be evil, as the souls of the unburied dead may possess them.
12. Netherlands
Around cats, the Dutch are careful not to say anything that they wouldn’t want repeated because they believe that cats will “rat” them out!
13. Norway
Norwegians consider cats to be fairies with a different form. The legend says that if you look deep inside a cat’s eyes, you will see the fairy world.
14. Russia
If a cat enters your new house first in Russia, then your life will be lucky and fulfilled.
15. Scotland
A black cat coming to your house is a sign of prosperity.
16. The USA
A black cat crossing your way is a sign of bad luck, so you should avoid that at all costs.
17. Wales
It’s believed that if a young, unmarried woman steps on a cat’s tail, she won’t get married that year. So, be careful!
Wrap-Up
There are also entire cultures based on cats and their existence; some think they are divine, others believe they will bring a world of chaos.
Of course, different cultures and traditions will have different opinions. Some say they should be avoided; others believe that they bring good luck or material gains.
No matter what their reasons are, I think we can agree that cats are amazing creatures, and this list of cat superstitions around the world proves it.
What are your favorite cat superstitions? Share below!
Andreea is a very passionate content creator and her purpose is to provide you with the most interesting articles, while constantly discovering new facts. She’s been freelance writing for the past five years and has created numerous articles and educational materials while managing her own business.