Cats
Witches and familiars, especially the cat, have long been associated. The similarities
between the two are numerous, the strongest being resourcefulness and independence. Regardless of gender, both are called
"she". Both have also enjoyed a long history of being deified and maligned in many cultures. Not every cat is a candidate
for a familiar and not all witches like cats. There are those times, though, when a witch meets a cat and the magick is so
strong the two definitely belong together. Bonding instantly is magickal, however, the relationship must grow with love and
respect. It is well known that cats see very well in the dark. Their eyes reflect light which enables them to get a double
dose of the available light. A cat can alert you to the presence of another human, animal or bird in the dark. There are
rituals to strengthen this psychic bond.
Here, from an eighteenth century Book of Shadows, are instructions for the training
of the cat to occult use:
"To be performed every evening, at the same time, in the same place....Adapt
the cat to sit close by you, facing in the same direction you face which shall be the place where the moon will rise. Stroke
gently but firmly with love in your hands until its purrs and your breathing are heard as one sound. Now you and the cat possess
the same will, your eyes will see as its eyes see, and your thoughts will travel together. The time has come to work spells
and cast enchantments for power is doubled through the agency of your familiar." Witches All, Grosset & Dunlap, 1977
Cats can be finicky. They also adapt, though they may not like the changes.
So if you are a first-time cat friend here are some tips to aid you in your new friendship:
• Cat likes her food served in the same place and preferably at the same
time each day.
• Prepare a comfortable resting area for Cat using a box or basket with
a pillow or blanket tucked inside. Mint tucked under the bedding helps deter fleas and ticks.
• Cat is very fussy about being clean and will lick her coat many times
a day. The fur accumulates in her intestines and creates hairballs which can make her ill. So brush Cat often.
• If you place a collar on Cat, be certain it is expandable. If the collar
gets caught on something, Cat could choke. With an expandable collar, she can slip out easily.
• Cat will eat meat. Loves it. She needs other nutrients, however. So
choose a good quality canned food and dry food to supplement her diet. Always keep a bowl of fresh water available to her.
Watch her for she can easily become a Fat Cat.
• Cat does not like being followed. She will investigate any new premises
until she feels comfortable that it's safe.
• Cat will have at least three names and one is her secret. Sound familiar?
• If Cat lives indoors either provide a Cat Door for easy access to the
outdoors or a kitty litter box that's always in the same place. The litter box must be emptied about every day to keep her
and you happy. Another indoor cat must is a scratching post or your furniture will be her target.
• Last but definitely not least - every once in a while Cat loves a little
catnip to roll in and chew. Fresh from your garden is perfection. Dried will do.
