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There's something very other worldly about cats isn't there? They have a strange ethereal presence and they often appear to be seeing something beyond the vision of the human eye

Cats have always held a fascination for people, held in high religious esteem by some cultures and cast out as evil by other. It makes sense therefore that the actions of cats would be used as a method of divining the future.

Some common beliefs are: - if a cat sneezes, it means rain or if a cat sneezes three times all family members will catch a cold.

Sailors would be horrified to find a cat on a ship as they believed it would bring nothing but bad luck. But, in the UK if a black cat runs across your path it means the opposite - good luck!

In ancient Egypt there were cat goddesses. Many household kept cats as pampered pets and when the cat eventually died there was an extended period of mourning, and family members shaved off their eyebrows. It is not known whether this custom was a ritual to honour the dead cat or to stave off a bad omen.

The cat goddesses of Egypt were Bast and Skehmer who were associated with fertility and sexual prowess. As cats were held in such high regard by their owners and in religious circles they were often mummified following their death. Egyptian law forbade the removal of cats' graves as all were thought to be sacred. Divination by cats during this period, occurred by watching cats for particular movements, which were then interpreted by seers according to their own judgement.

Cats and witches have always been traditionally linked. Hundreds of years ago those who were gifted with psychic powers were considered to be witches, so it is not altogether surprising that their cats were guilty by association. It was thought that the witch could assume the shape of the cat nine times in her life(hence the belief that cats have nine lives) and as a results cats were tortured and burnt along with those suspected of witchcraft.

The Middle Ages were dark years for cats, as well as people. During this grim period cats were thought to be in league with the devil, and this may be the basis for many contemporary ill omens about cats. Indeed one superstition stated that if you encountered a cat at midnight - you were in fact meeting the devil himself!

Even today some intriguing omens often concern cats. It is thought that a black cat kept in a sailor's home will keep the seafarer safe from drowning and ensure his safe return home. A cat at a wedding is said to predict a long, happy marriage. In some parts of France a stray white cat spotted sunning itself on a doorstep means a hasty marriage for one of the house's residents. Whilst in the Midlands it was said that if someone offered a cat as a wedding gift the couple would always enjoy prosperity. In the Netherlands cats were not allowed in rooms where family business was being discussed as they were thought to spread gossip around the town. In some areas of the United States it was thought that a cat sleeping on a doorstep heralded a visit from a member of the clergy.

Cats will always retain an air of mystery and intrigue and no doubt if you own one, you too, will probably have a few predictions to relate linked to your cat's own unique behaviour.

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