There are plenty of superstitions around animals, especially pets. From howling dogs signalling death through to cats gossiping to others there are a host of stories linked to our furry friends.
But do cats really have nine lives and are our pets sensitive to spirits? The PDSA has taken a Halloween look at some of the most common myths and superstitions involving animals.
PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “Whether you believe in them or not, you’ll no doubt be aware of some of the superstitions surrounding our pets – and there are some strange ones that are centuries old!"
But is there any truth in any of them. This is what the PDSA has to say.
Dogs and cats have a sixth sense and can see ghosts
Many pet owners will have seen their hound barking at nothing, or their cat staring at something that they can’t see. This may seem to indicate spooky goings-on to some but there’s no evidence to suggest that they are sensing the paranormal. As both cats’ and dogs’ senses are more acute than ours, they may just be tuning in to something that is too quiet for us to hear.
Cats spread gossip
If your secrets get out, don’t blame your cat! For starters, they can’t talk, so who would they have been able to tell? This is a superstition that originated in the Netherlands where people were warned not to have private conversations in front of cats.
A howling dog means death
This one is very morbid and, fortunately, untrue. If you can hear a dog howling, it does not mean someone has died – you may just live near a vocal pooch who is making their presence known.
Cats have nine lives
This superstition has been around for centuries, and nobody really knows where it originated from. William Shakespeare referred to the nine lives of cats in Romeo and Juliet, and the ancient Egyptians believed that cats had supernatural powers, as well as worshipping a god who took the form of a cat. While it is true that cats often land on their feet and may live to tell the tale after many a close call, they, unfortunately, do not have nine lives.
Black cats are bad luck
This is one superstition that sadly means black cats are often the last to be adopted from shelters. The myth links back to their presence as bad omens in literature and their frequent portrayal as companions to witches. This misconception has given black cats a negative reputation when really, they give just as much love and support as other cats!
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