SUPERSTITION : Some silly superstitions about cats and dogs.
Kids - These statements are not true , they are simply myths, stories and ideas that people used to believe about cats and dogs. This page is just some fun reading...
Dog Myths
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Howling dogs were believed to mean bad luck. Some cultures believed that a howling dog was a sign that someone close to you was ill.
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If a strange dog comes to your house, it is believed to be a sign of a new friendship.
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Three white dogs seen together are considered lucky
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Fishermen traditionally believed dogs were unlucky, and would not take one out in a boat, or mention the word "dog" while they were at sea.
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In ancient times, there were cultures that believed you could cure a child's illnesses by taking a few of the sick child's hairs, and feeding them to a dog inbetween slices of bread and butter. It was believed by doing this the ailment would transfer to the animal, healing the child.
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A dog with seven toes can see ghosts.
Cat Myths
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Black cats were believed to be unlucky. Some believed if a black cat crossed your path, it was a sign of bad luck.
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It is unlucky to see a white cat at night. But, if you see a white cat on a road, it will bring you good luck.
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A cat onboard a ship was believed to bring good luck. In fact, sailors used to use cats to predict their voyages. Loudly mewing cats meant that it would be a difficult voyage. A playful cat meant that it would be a voyage with good and gusty winds.
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Cats used to be used to forecast the weather - if the cat looked out the window all day it would rain, if a cat turned it's back to the fireplace cold weather was coming, and if a cat licked it's fur against the gain there was going to be a storm.
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If a cat washes its face and paws in the parlor, company's coming
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It was believed, dreaming of being badly scratched by a cat foretold sickness and trouble
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French peasants thought that black cats could find buried treasure, if they followed a specific ritual: find an intersection where 5 roads connected, then turn the cat loose and follow him.
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If you can find a white hair on a black cat, you will have good luck.
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Once upon a time, it was believed that cats had magic powers in their tails and could use them to start storms. People kept their cats happy and well fed to avoid this.
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Some cultures believed cats were a sign of fertility. People would place a cat in an empty cradle to bring children to a newly wed couple.
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When you see a one-eyed cat, spit on your thumb, stamp it in the palm of your hand, and make a wish. The wish will come true.
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Finding a strange black cat on your porch is a sign of good fortune and money.
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In the 16th century it was considered to be good luck if you kissed the cat in a home you were visiting.
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When you move into a new home, put the cat in through the window, not the door, and it will not leave.
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A cat sneezing is a good omen for everyone who hears it.