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Cat History For thousands of years, cats have been regarded as mysterious creatures with supernatural powers. These beliefs certainly did not disappear during the European witch-craze. The witch trials started in the 13th century. People began to believe that witches had the ability to turn into an animal, usually a hare or a cat, in order to transport themselves to a sabbat (a midnight meeting) presided over by the Devil. The idea of familiar spirits soon developed. These were imps or minor demons who took the form of any small animal, from a hedgehog to a toad. A familiar acted as an intermediary for the witch, carrying out her orders so that she wouldn't have to be at the scene of the crime when the evil deed was done. A witch's cat came to be called a "grimalkin". The Scottish goddess of witches was called "Mither o' the Mawkins", a mawkin or malkin being either a cat or a hare. Originally a gremalkin was a gray cat. Later the term came to refer to the "pussies" or "catkins" on a pussy willow, as well as to the witch's cat. * Some of the above info from John Richard Stephens, author of "The Enchanted Cat"

Cat Recipes Cat food is carefully formulated to have all the nutrition that a cat needs. However, there may come a day when you are feeling particularly creative in the kitchen. So here is a collection of recipes to make for your cat. Please note that some recipes are to be prepared only for cats with specific health problems (in which case, you should clear it with your vet first).

Kitty Taco You will need: 1/2 lb. ground beef 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon corn oil 1 corn tortilla, cut into kitty-bite-size pieces 1/2 teaspoon bone meal 1/2 teaspoon brewers' yeast 1/2 teaspoon iodized salt 2 tablespoons cheddar cheese, grated Heat skillet and start browning ground beef. When meat is half cooked, add bell pepper. Cook the mixture until onions are translucent, and the meat golden brown. On low heat, stir tomato paste, corn oil, chopped tortilla, bone meal, brewers' yeast, and salt. Stir until heated through. Cool and serve topped with grated cheese. Yields 2-3 servings. Store unused portions in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. This may be fed to your cat once or twice a week. Mixing 1 teaspoon of mineral oil with your cat's food once or twice a week will help prevent hair-balls and constipation!

Tuna Treats (alternative to cat treats) Makes approximately 60 treats: 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup nonfat, dry, powdered milk 1/2 can tuna, in oil OR 1/2 cup cooked chicken, chopped into small pieces 1 tablespoon vegetable oil OR cod liver oil 1 egg, beaten 1/4 cup water Catnip (Optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease cookie sheets with cooking spray. In large bowl, mash the tuna (or chicken) into smaller pieces. Then add flour and milk. Mix well. After all is mixed, pour in water and oil. Mix well again. Next beat egg in seperate dish until egg gets a foamy texture. Add to mix. Mix well. The dough mix will be sticky, so don't worry. Using your fingers, shape dough into samll bite size balls - about the size of a marble. Put balls on greased cookie sheets. Flatten balls with hand. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove treats from oven wait five minutes and turn treats over so other side will cook. Bake 10 more minutes or until golden brown in color. Place treats on cookie rack to cool. Cool for 15 minutes. NEVER give treats to your pet right after cooking. You can add the catnip in the recipe or sprinkle on top of treats. They like it either way. Store in air tight container and store in refrigerator or cool dry place.

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Cat Folklore and Magic Cats have been sacred to more than one religion, and at different times and places have been considered both good and bad luck-bringers. The Egyptian goddess Bast was both lion-headed and cat-headed and attended by cats and therefore cats were sacred and revered in Egypt; killing one was a heinous crime, and when a household cat died mourning rites were performed for it. Cats were often found in temples and were ritually fed; stray cats were treated with honour and fed, and the household cat was allowed to share the family's food. Cat amulets were produced and elaborate cat-sized sarcophagi crafted for cats who had died, who were often embalmed as humans were. Followers of the goddess Diana also considered the cat sacred because she once assumed the form of a cat, and cats were under her special protection. In Scandanavia, Freya's chariot was drawn by cats. The Celtic goddess Ceridwen was also attended by white cats, who carried out her orders on earth. Cat Dream Interpretations To dream of a black cat is lucky. To dream of a tortoiseshell cat means luck in love. To dream of a ginger cat means luck in money and business. To dream of a white cat means luck in, spiritual matters, divination and spell-craft. To dream of a black-and-white cat means luck with children; or the birth of a child. To dream of a tabby cat means luck for the home and all who live there. To dream of a gray cat means to be guided by your dreams. To dream of a calico or multi-colored cat means luck with new friends and old ones. A dream of two cats fighting means illness or a quarrel. Cat Spells and Charms If a black cat crosses your path, greet the animal politely and stroke it three times if possible, while reciting this charm: "Black cat, cross my path, Good fortune bring to home and hearth, When I am away from home Bring me luck wherever I roam'. Then leave the cat and go on your way. If you abuse, insult or ignore the cat, no good luck will follow. Cat Divination for Fortune When you drive off to work in the morning, do a “cat count” on the way out of your neighborhood. Look for cats resting peacefully on porches or fences, under bushes or parked cars. The more cats you find enjoying the light of the new morning, the more likely you will find good fortune in the coming day! ~ by: Edward Fitch Cat Blessing You will need : Gold candle(For the God/dess) A cat figure candle for each cat ( or just a white one) Catnip Toy (homemade is best) < Incense/smudge and, of course, your cat. Light the incense/smudge and place the candles in the center of the altar. Cast your circle. Light the gold candle and invoke the Horned God: 'O Great Horned God, keeper of all things wild, I invoke thee, and invite thee, into this circle.' Light the cat / white candle and then, holding your cat, kneel before the altar and recite the following prayer: 'O Great Horned God, Father of the woodlands And loving lord of all creatures That walk crawl, swim and fly A threefold blessing I humbly ask Of thee on this special day: May this cat's life be a long Happy and healthy one. May she/he always receive Your divine protection. And when our incarnations In this world cease to be May we forever be reunited In the great Pagan otherworld Known as the Summerland. Blessed be! After the blessing has been recited, gaze into the flame of the gold candle and chant three times the name of your cat with the words "Blessed Be". End with the burning of a sweet incense like Sweetgrass to please the spirits. You can also cleanse & consecrate a collar for your cat, if you would like him/her cat to wear one, you can add a pentacle as well. Kiss your kitty and set him/her down, present your cat with the Catnip toy, you can make one easily by adding drip Catnip to an old stocking and tying off. This Catnip offering will create a psychic bond between you & your cat. You can also burn some Catnip and watch how CRAZY your cat gets (good crazy). Give thanks to the Horned God in your own way and close the circle. BACK HOME 2015 Barbara Morris / Moonsmuses.com