Image via WikipediaCats have a lengthy history as the most common and most powerful witch's familiar.Cats are considered in many cultures to be shapeshifters and adept at boosting the power of spells.
It is believed that cats intuitively know how best to assist their witch companions in performing spells.
Cats can see much better than humans can. It is said that cats are able to see the spirits of the dead and otherworld beings such as fairies.
Cats are believed to communicate telepathically with their human companions and to have the ability to call on or chase away spirits.
The following cats can be purchased from Eeylops, but remember, just as with wands, the cat chooses the witch so be sure to ask your chosen cat's permission before purchasing.
Black cat: The black cat is the most familiar witch's familiar. Black cats are said to draw many friends and suitors to their companions.
Finding a white hair on a black cat or a black cat at your doorstep is thought impart great luck. Fisherwives always kept a black cat in the home to ensure their husband's safe return from sea.
There is a famous black cat in the Scottish Highlands called Cath Sith or the Fairy Cat. It is said to be the size of a large dog. I like to picture it the size of Sirius Black in animagus form.
Ginger cat: Ginger cats are particularly adept at magic meant to draw business or money. If you own, or plan to own a shop or other place of business, be sure to keep a ginger cat to help speed along your success in this endeavor.
White cat: The white cat enjoys a high status amongst Celtic people because the goddess Ceridwen is attended by white cat familiars who do the goddesses bidding in the earthly realm. White cats are considered most helpful in matters involving the spirit, divination and communicating with other realms and otherworldly beings.
Siamese cat: Siamese cats are held in high esteem as temple guardians and loyal protectors of their human companions. It is said that Siamese cats are as fierce as dragons when it comes to protecting treasure. Unlike dragons though, the Siamese cat protects the treasure of her human companion, rather then keeping the treasure for herself.
Tabby cat: The tabby cat is for those charged with protecting and taking care of home, family and children. Tabby cats are also said to draw many friends to their human companions.
The Japanese Maneki Neko figurine (commonly used to bring luck to a shop or business) is often depicted as a tabby cat.
And for my fellow Gryffindors, this is of course the animagus form that Professor McGonagall takes.
Have you decided to choose a cat as your pet/avatar on Pottermore? If so, which one did you choose, and why? We'd love to hear from you!
