Cat Gods, Goddesses, Deities, and Demons

Cats have a rich history throughout humankind, and folklore is rife with examples of cat cunning and compassion. In this gorgeously illustrated compendium, the ancient practice of cat-worship meets the mind/body/spirit category to uncover 51 of the most common and not-so-common cat gods, goddesses, deities, and demons from four geographical families around the world, and how to incorporate their divine feline energy into one's daily life.

Throughout time, felines have played a sacred role in human life. Archaeologists have found cat remains buried with humans as far back as the tenth millennium BCE in Cyprus, and the Greek goddess Hecate is said to have regularly assumed the form of a cat. Hieroglyphics tell us that ancient Egyptians worshipped cat gods, and their queen Cleopatra had a kitty companion in her palace whom she called Tivali. A Chinese cat goddess called Li Shou is said to have protected farmers from mice, and Ai Apaec was a pre-Inca god with fangs and whiskers said to have descended from an even more ancient cat god.

This book is more than a guide to ancient cat gods. It's an exploration of the way humans have observed, interacted with, learned from, and revered another species who share the Earth with us. Ancient folklore is filled with examples of animal cunning and compassion. Many humans invoked other species as spiritual guides or even worshipped them as gods. Arguably, cats are the most intriguing of animals because of how we can relate to them. Much like us, they are free spirits and adaptable survivors. We admire them for their dignity, independence, and ferocity.

In this gorgeously illustrated guidebook, you'll meet 51 feline deities and demons from four geographical families around the world—Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. You'll also encounter mystical cats who work in alliance with human gods and goddesses. The feline entities come from different eras and cultures all over the world. Some are angelic guides, and others, demonic adversaries, but all play a role in our understanding of feline deities and why they became so. Learn all about these sacred godlike creatures, including what they look like, what they symbolise, and how you can use their spirit and ancient wisdom to tap into your own Divine Feline Energy.