Cats have had a very long relationship with humans. They’re man’s second (or first, depending on whom you ask) best friends.

The ancient Egyptians worshipped Bastet, a goddess in the form of the cat, and mummified their small companions to accompany them to their journeys to the next world.

Cultures around the world have had a fondness for the mini-lions. In many parts of Europe, cats were considered essential for a good harvest and so were treated with great respect and care. In Britain, black cats are still considered to be lucky.

A cat lounging at Gymkhana Club, New Delhi

But cats have also been long associated with witches. Both cats and witches embody the archetype of the feminine. One could even say that there is something witchy about cats, and something catty about witches.

Closer home, the Laws of Manu (a moral-religious-law code which is paramount in Hindu culture), characterised cats as covetous and deceptive. Black cats are especially loathed in India as black is the colour of Lord Shani, who is believed to inflict bad luck.

But despite all the prejudice, cats have found their way back in the good graces of social opinion. The internet’s abundance of cat videos and memes have created a world where cats are king. A world which is a realm of universal mirth and innocent fun.

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Considerations on Cats