Thankfully this horrid time span ended together with the witch hunts, and once more the cat was in favour with mankind. And yet again her attributes were considered as magical, she was said to have healing powers, and somehow this little hint of mysticism never left the feline species. And is it not remarkable that women seem to have a much stronger bond with cats than men most of the time? And do we not think of wise women, of herb lore, of magical and enchanted hours when we see a woman and a cat together?
Modern times have given us a tiny glimpse of what "Magic" a cat can do. Science has proven that to stroke a cat and hear and feel it's purring relaxes people and reduces stress. Modern medicine confirms that to have a cat laying close to or on a limb that pains with arthritis or rheumatism has a calming and pain reducing effect. And have we not all at one time or another looked into a cat's eyes and wondered what mystique and magic lay behind their all-knowing and all-understanding glance they give us?
I often heard it said that humans can be divided into three categories, "cat lovers", "cat haters", and "others". I find it interesting that seemingly "cat lovers" somehow recognise each other without many words. Maybe the communication between themselves and their cats has them so finely tuned in their (dare I say psychic?) powers that a likeminded soul is also easily recognised?
With Neo-Paganism and old beliefs growing stronger these days, so the cat once again takes her rightful place besides her human companion, modern witches once more call the cat lovingly their "familiars".
Although in most cases the cat does not fulfil her role as protector of the home from vermin infestation these days, surely she keeps many a human from loneliness and her gentle and comforting nature heals many a psychic wound. Cats have a very fine sense for moods of their companions, and contrary to the belief that cats are loners, they search for and enjoy closeness.
Cats have personalities, just as varied as their human counterparts. Some cats are more drawn to their own kind, others prefer the company of humans. Most of them, however, like "mixed company" and adapt well to any group of beings. They have adapted so well that they easily live indoors without ever going out. But this requires an active companion, be it another feline or a human that spends time with them and plays along. Distraction is necessary, such as a window sill to sit on and watch the world go by (also known as "cat television"), or a secured balcony to catch a fresh breath of air and chew on a bit of special cat grass grown in a flower pot.
Cats are truly mystical, truly magical, and one can get easily lost gazing into their lovely eyes........