We thought we would share some of the quirkier cat superstitions and legends from around the world.
Japan
In old Japanese folklore it was said that if a cat had a black mark on its back then this was an indication that the soul of an ancestor was present and the black mark was deemed as sacred.
You may have seen the common image of the Japanese Bobtail cat with its front paw raised. This was seen as a sign of good fortune in Japanese folklore.
Cat lovers will be pleased to hear that our feline friends in Japan are also believed to be a cure for epilepsy and bouts of melancholy as well!
Italy
In Italian folklore it was believed to be good luck when anyone heard a cat sneeze.
France
During the Middle Ages ceramic cats were placed on the roofs of French homes to ward off evil spirits. Interestingly, there are still many homes in France that still have these ceramic cats on their rooftops.
It has also been considered extremely lucky in France to find a black cat with a single white hair.
Poland
In Poland there is a legend that tells us of a group of kittens chasing butterflies next to a pond. The lively kittens fall into the pond and the kitten’s mother is left crying at the side of the pond looking helplessly on.
The willow trees next to the pond proceeded to dip their branches so that the tiny kittens could grasp the branches and escape their certain demise.
Now, according to this charming Polish legend, every springtime that the furry buds on a willow branch appear it represents the kittens being saved and clinging to the willow branches and are now commonly known as ‘pussy willow’
Russia
The Russians have an old tale in folklore that states that when a new cat is brought home, if it is then thrown on a bed and proceeds to settle down then the cat is deemed to have found and made the house its home and will be happy to stay around.
The Russian Blue cat breed is also considered to be a symbol of luck in Russia.