The Cat
Felis catus
Element
air
Chakra
third eye
Symbolism
Wisdom & Power
Overview
The cat is one of the most mysterious and magical totem animals, embodying independence, spiritual power, freedom, mystery, magic, guardianship, sensuality, and secrets. With the legendary symbol of 9 lives, cats teach us to take calculated risks knowing we can land on our feet. This enigmatic spirit animal carries insights that others don't, always trusted to keep their secrets to themselves. Through their highly sensitive retinas that see clearly in darkness, cats teach us to look closely at what goes on around us - there might be something "in the dark" we're not currently seeing. Cat people are self-sufficient, confident in their own skin, and enjoy their own company, though they can get stuck in their own little world and may use their heightened intelligence to be manipulative and cunning.
Symbolism & Meaning
Independence, spiritual power, freedom, mystery, magic, guardianship, sensuality, secrets, curiosity, nine lives (taking risks), seeing in darkness, sleeping wisdom, femininity, self-sufficiency, confidence, and the teaching to look closely because things in the dark may not be visible
Cat spirit is one of the most mysterious and magical totems. Cats have insights that others around them don't possess - this can be both good and bad, as cats can always be trusted to keep their secrets to themselves. The symbol of 9 lives teaches us about taking necessary risks and opportunities - cats can afford occasional big risks because they land on their feet. If you've been avoiding something out of fear of failing, cat reminds you to take the leap and trust you'll land easily on your feet. Cat is highly adaptable, and if you've found yourself in drastic change, cat spirit reminds you to go with the flow and open up to the change. Through their ability to see clearly in the dark (highly sensitive retinas), cats teach the importance of looking closely at what goes on around you - there might be something "in the dark" that you're not currently seeing.
Life Lessons
Take necessary risks knowing you have 9 lives and will land on your feet, look closely at what's happening around you - there may be something in the dark you're not seeing, adapt to drastic change by going with the flow and opening up to it, keep your secrets but be aware you have insights others don't, get proper rest and quiet time to recharge (cats enjoy their sleep), be self-sufficient but remember to help others and work as a team sometimes, maintain confidence but don't let it go to your head, use your heightened intelligence responsibly without manipulation, embrace your feminine side and sensuality, trust that if someone is hiding something from you, you will eventually see it, and remember that risks cannot be taken irresponsibly without consequence even with 9 lives.
Cultural Significance
Native American Tradition
While domestic cats came later to Native cultures, wildcats represent independence, stealth, and the ability to move between worlds unseen. Cat teaches the power of silent observation.
Celtic Tradition
Celtic tradition sees cats as guardians of the Otherworld, possessing magic and mystery. They represent independence, intuition, and the ability to see in darkness - perceiving what others cannot.
Chinese Tradition
In Chinese culture, cats are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. They represent transformation, protection, and the mysterious power to sense supernatural forces.
egyptian Tradition
Sacred to the goddess Bastet, cats were revered as divine beings representing protection, fertility, and the sun. Ancient Egyptians believed cats were magical and god-like with the ability to predict weather and natural disasters. Cats were so honored that killing one was punished by the death penalty. Domestication of the cat started in Egypt for hunting companions, especially helpful when hunting in darkness.
japanese Tradition
The Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) brings good luck and prosperity. Cats are seen as magical beings with supernatural abilities.
nine Lives Lesson Tradition
Cats are said to have 9 lives, in part because of their magical spirit qualities and in part because of their agile form. This is a totem lesson and symbol in the importance of taking risks, but also to emphasize that risks cannot be taken irresponsibly without consequence. Are you taking necessary risks and opportunities in your life? You may be avoiding something out of fear of failing, but if you take the leap you might just find that you land easily on your feet.
eyesight Wisdom Tradition
A cat can see clearly in the dark because of their highly sensitive retinas. The symbol here is to look closely at what goes on around you, because there might be something "in the dark" that you are not currently seeing.
sleeping Wisdom Tradition
Cats enjoy their sleep, and humans should too. Don't push yourself too hard, too fast. In order to work to our full potential, we must get the proper rest that we deserve. Take quiet time to yourself to recharge, but be careful not to overdo it.
dream Symbolism
Seeing a cat in dreams often represents femininity, in either yourself or someone close to you. If the cat is flirtatious and playful, this may provide insight to how you are currently behaving in the sexual realm. If the cat seems aggressive toward you, it may symbolize that you are struggling with your feminine side, or that you are experiencing difficulties in a relationship with a female. If you see a cat that is being secretive or suspicious, there is probably someone in your life who is lying to you or tricking you.
black Cat Lore Tradition
Because of negative connotations regarding black cats and the symbol of bad luck, seeing a black cat in your dream may symbolize bad luck in the near future. If the black cat does not seem threatening or scary, it may be a symbol of increased psychic or unconscious activity in your mind. Black cats were given the negative quality of "bad luck" by the Puritans when they came to America from Europe - they believed that a witch that was executed could return to life as a black cat after 7 years, thus came the superstition that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck. However, in Europe and Australia, the black cat is especially revered as it is said to be good luck!
shadow Warnings Tradition
Cat spirit people can get so independent that they often get stuck in their own little world, and have trouble seeing through the eyes of another. Cat totem people need to be reminded to use their gifts to help others as well as themselves, and that sometimes working as a team can be more productive than working alone. Their wonderful confidence can go to their heads - they may quickly make assumptions or decisions without considering the feelings and opinions of others, and can be quite stubborn about changing their minds. Cat spirit people may occasionally use their heightened intelligence to manipulate and get their way. Usually this totem is able to be so cunning that the person they are tricking will never even have the slightest suspicion that they have been manipulated.