New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-05-21
SUPERSTTTYONS ABOUT CATS.
From The Geaaeman's Magazine.


In Ireland 1t Is considered highly unucky for
family 10 take with them a cat when they ale NOV
ing more especially, too, when they have 70 cross
river. Mr.. GIegOr also tells us that, IN the north
east of Scotland if a or other domestic animal
WAS seized with disease. one mode OF cure was 10
twist rope of straw the contrary way. join the two
ends ana put the diseased animal through the loop
along with a cat. by this means the disease was
supposed TO be transferred TO the cat, and the AMI
mails life was so saved by the cat dying. tbs, OF
course was only one of the extensive charms OF
which the leading idea was that OF subst.. luton.
A remedy for eryslpelas, lately practlced IL Tie
parish of LOcharrOn. in the Northwest highlands.
consisted IN cuttinC OF one-half of the Of cat,
aud letting the blood drop on the part affected.
Abiding. moreover, to the numerous other Items OF
folklore in connection with the cat, there Is IA
popular notion that a May cat-a cat born IN the
month OF Mays of no use for catching rats and
mice. but eXerts an INJURIOUS lnnnehce on me
house through bringing INTO II disagreeabe reptiles
of various kinds Mrs. Latham, III her est
Sussex SuperstitIOns,' SAYS that May cat is sup
posed 10 be inclined to melancholy, and to be
much addicted 20 catching snakes and bringing
them into the house. / had heard that TINS W est
country belief existed ID our village; and, very
lately observing most deected-loOklng cat by
the fire in cottage, sad, ~ Jest, shOuld tnlnk
that cat was born il May oh yes" SAID the
owner of it, that she was, and so was her mother
and she was Just Sad-loOkng, and was always
bringing snakes and vipers within doors In
HuntinadOushIre there is a common saving that
Nav kitten makes dirty cat THIS supposed Ill
luck attaching a cat born IN the month of Nav is
no doubt founded on the old notion that May was
an unfortunate season T births of any ind, IN
alluSIOn to which there IS an OLD proverD, winch
says
Nav chefs
Bad luck oegets
According to a curious notion. still extensively
credited by out NOIth-country peasantry. black cats
are supposed TO bring not only good luck, hut also
Iovers-in illustration of which we may quote
well known rhyme Oh the subject:
Whenever the eat o the house ia black,
The lasscs o. lovers Will have no lack
Mr. Henderson. speaking of this superstition,
IL B., mo
occasion SAID to a lady, " It's ma wonder Jock IS
lasses marry OF fast, ye ken what Draw black
cat thew We got" Ii is considered unlucky 10 dream
of a cat piece of FOLKLORE prevalent III Germany,
where If one dreams of black cat al Christmas, 10
Is an omen of some alarming illness during the fol
lowing year. Equally unfortunate too, Is 1t for
cat to sneeZe this act being supposed TO indicate
thai the family will have colds Thus, we are in
formed by Mrs. Latham hat IN Sussex, "eFtn the
most favored cat, II heard to SneeZe, Is instantly
shut out of doors for should she stay TO repeat the
sneeze three times indoors, the whole family Will
have colds and coughs" 49,
Lastly there are many quaint traditions IN which
the cat holds prominent place; and an amusiu
one current the north of England. we may quote
in conclusion A gentleman was one evening sitting
costly in his paTlOr reading or medltatlng, when
he was interrupted by the appearance OF a cat,
which came down the chimney and cried out IeIl
Dildrum DoldIum' deadW He was not unnatuTally
startled by this stran ye occurrence and when
shortly after wife entered and he related 10 Ter
what had happened. her own cat which accom-
panied her. exclaimed. " Is DOldrum dead = and
Immediately rushed ~ the chimney, and was heard
of no more OF the numberless conjectures stated
to account for this extraordinary event the most
king of CatIand, and that DiIdrum was the next
he