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Most of us are very familiar with the common black cat superstitions that have infiltrated the particular culture in which we reside. In earlier times the Egyptians and Romans worshipped cats, considering them sacred beings. The Middle Ages of Europe during the witch scare brought about a different attitude toward these furry creatures. They had become feared, condemned as harbingers of evil as Christianity struggled to dissolve all pagan beliefs.

Black is a color that has always been associated with magic, mystery, and darkness. The feline species that we have come to know and adore is characteristically independent, stealthy, and able to thrive on its own quite easily. This made them instant targets of those religious zealots whom had labeled them as beasts of the night and thus minions to the dark lord. Homeless, elderly, and lonely women seen communing with these purportedly evil creatures were immediately and indisputably labeled as witches.

Cats, black cats in particular, were also believed to be what was termed 'familiars.' Familiars were specific creatures deemed evil by those attempting to do away with paganism. They were believed to serve as powerful tools for witches in casting evil spells and black magic.

Witches were believed to be capable of turning into black cats. The saying that cats have nine lives may have originated with the notion that witches could turn into black cats nine times or because nine was considered a lucky number. To escape detection it was touted that witches would turn into black cats during the evening hours and spend their time tormenting an unsuspecting populace.

There were many creative and imaginative stories being repeatedly recited that claimed to prove witches had the ability to turn themselves into black cats.

From Scotland:

A man of considerable wealth reported that a large quantity of his wine was being stolen. To catch the culprit he had decided to hide down in the wine cellar. As he waited patiently in the dark he heard scurrying about and upon lifting up his lantern noticed he was surrounded by several black cats. Using his sword he lashed out at the frightened beasts and ended up severing the hind leg of one of the creatures.

The following morning a lonely, elderly woman who had long been suspected of being a witch and was known to keep company with a black cat was found bleeding to death in her home. Her leg had been severed as if cut off by a weapon of some sort.

From Britain:

A father and son are

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