cat gods, goddesses, deities, and demons: a guide to feline folklore and mythology

Discover 51 of the most common and not-so-common cat gods, goddesses, deities, and demons from around the world and how to incorporate their Divine Feline Energy into your daily life.

Throughout time, felines have played a sacred role in human life. Archeologists 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 rife with examples of animal cunning and compassion, and many humans invoked other species as spiritual guides or flat out 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, 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 to be so. Learn all about these sacred godlike creatures, including what they look like, what they symbolize, and how you can use their spirit and ancient wisdom to tap into your own Divine Feline Energy.

Natalie Bovis is a writer, cat lover, and enthusiast of all things fantastical and mythological. She grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a place renown for being a magical energy vortex, as well as a refuge for artists of all kinds. Natalie has been drawn to magic and the occult since she was a child and sees animals as peaceful, wise beings sharing the Earth with humans. She advocates for animals by volunteering and raising money for rescue organizations. Natalie also produces creativity-focused yoga retreats. She is the author of Drinking with My Dog, Cocktails with My Cat, and Preggatinis. Learn more at TheLiquidMuse.com.

Lucy Rose is an illustrator and surface pattern designer who graduated from Falmouth University UK with a BA in Illustration. Lucy has always loved print processes, and this is reflected in her work with organic textures and graphic compositions. Currently living by the sea in South Devon, England, she takes inspiration from nature and the botanical elements that surround her.