Cat Dream Meanings

Cats in dreams often symbolize an independent spirit, feminine sexuality, creativity, and power. They can also represent the mysterious, wise, and enigmatic aspects of yourself. However, the interpretation of cats in your dream heavily depends on your real-life attitude towards them.

Positive Aspects of Cats in Dreams

If you are fond of cats, dreaming of one may reflect positive aspects of the feminine principle, such as nurturing, intuition, or the archetypes of the mother, high priestess, or Amazon. For men, a dream of a cat may guide the anima (feminine side of the male psyche) and encourage relying on instincts in real-life situations.

Negative Associations with Cats

If you dislike cats or encounter an aggressive one in your dream, this may suggest issues relating to the feminine aspect of yourself. The dream could symbolize negative female archetypes, such as the terrible mother, siren huntress, or witch. It might also indicate that someone in your life is behaving deceitfully or "cattily."

Symbolism of Cat Behavior

• Cat with No Tail: Represents a loss of independence and autonomy.
• Cat Biting or Scratching: Symbolizes a devouring female or suggests that you are taking without giving. It may also express frustration or fear related to an unfulfilled situation.
• Injured or Killed Cat: Refers to overcoming obstacles, emphasizing your own inner strength and resilience.

Cultural and Symbolic Associations

Cats have rich cultural symbolism. In ancient Egypt, they were sacred and considered custodians of souls, while in the Middle Ages, they were often associated with witchcraft and seen as unlucky. The color of the cat in your dream may also carry specific meanings.

• Black Cat: Encourages you to trust your instincts and intuition.
• White Cat: Could reflect associations with bad luck if you believe in such superstitions.

Additional Dream Symbols

• Kittens: Represent playfulness, your inner child, and the need to nurture yourself.
• Cat in a Cage: Signifies a sense of crippled independence.

If you encounter a cat and spend time searching for its owner in your dream, this may indicate that the cat symbolizes a part of yourself—your inner "cat" that embodies independence, sensuality, and curiosity. Your dream may be encouraging you to claim these qualities as your own.

See Colors, Feminine Archetypes, Witchcraft.

Cats in dreams often symbolize the feminine, and their behavior can provide insight into different aspects of your emotional or relational life. The cat’s color and actions carry secondary symbolism, and your personal feelings about cats can influence the interpretation of the dream.

Interpretation of Cats in Dreams

• Petting a Cat: If a cat wants you to pet it in a dream, this may indicate that someone is trying to seduce or attract you. It could be a reflection of someone’s affection or romantic intentions towards you.
• Scratched by a Cat: Being scratched by a cat in a dream suggests that you may face professional jealousy or rivalry. This could be a warning to be cautious in your work environment.
• Black Cat: Often associated with superstitions, black cats symbolize darkness and death for those who believe in such analogies. However, this symbolism typically only resonates with those who hold superstitious beliefs.

Cultural and Mythological Significance

In mythology and ancient cultures, cats have long been associated with fertility gods and the power and wisdom of nature. For the Egyptians, cats were sacred animals that guarded the souls of the dead. It wasn’t until the rise of Christianity that cats became associated with witches and were often viewed as symbols of evil.

CAT Dream Analysis Example

Marta's Dream: “I was petting Gea [her precious Persian kitten] when she turned to me and said, ‘pretty, more than pretty.’ I was delighted that my cat could talk, I knew she was very clever... but this was too much! Suddenly, her feline face transformed into John’s, but now she did not speak. He rather emitted terrible barking sounds and foam was coming out of his mouth. I tried to hold him and calm him but he slipped out of my hands like a lizard.”

Dreams involving transformation, such as animals turning into people or objects disappearing, often symbolize psychological changes or shifts in one’s life. In Marta’s dream, she had recently argued with her boyfriend, and this dream served as a warning to be more considerate towards him. The affectionate interaction with her cat reflected her boyfriend’s devotion, but the transformation into a fierce dog and elusive lizard indicated that the relationship could sour or slip away if not nurtured. The dream suggests that Marta’s ability to communicate and show affection would help resolve the conflict.

See Feminine Archetypes, Transformation in Dreams, Mythology.

Dreaming Lens: What kind of cat appeared in your dream? How many were there? Were they domesticated or wild? Was there a sense of danger involved? What was the setting? What activity was the cat(s) involved in?

Personal Focus: Cats of all types represent powerful feminine energy, which includes receptivity, creativity, sensuality, and stillness. They are hunters by nature, and their nocturnal behavior associates them with the feminine aspect of night. While their masculine counterpart, the dog, embodies a pack mentality, the cat is the symbol of self-reliance. First domesticated about three thousand years ago, cats were revered for their ability to control rodent populations that would have beleaguered the stores of grain that were so crucial to the emergence of civilization.

Cats have long been associated with magic and witchcraft, with the classic black cat as the carrier of the most superstition. There is a very pungent odor to their urine, correlating this smell with the dark side of the powerful feminine energy that this symbol represents. If your dream held any of these elements, you may be expressing unconscious thoughts about mysticism or spirituality.

Wild cats come in many sizes and are formidable hunters. If the cat in your dreams is one of the many species of cats found in nature, the meaning is the same, but with two additional distinctions. The prowess associated with predatory aggression comes into play with the largest of these beasts, the tiger. The lion is often linked with maternity due to the behavior of the lioness with her cubs. Cheetahs and leopards are symbolically correlated with speed and agility. The panther’s sleek black coloring brings even more sensuality and Shadow material into the symbolic picture. For a truly accurate interpretation, doing some research on your dream cat will provide you with a wealth of information.

If you are afraid of them in real life, they may represent in dreams things you are frightened of in yourself. But remember that a real-life fear of cats may be a symptom indicating a fear of some aspect of the femininity that cats generally symbolize: your mother, your own femininity (whether you are a man or a woman), your unconscious psyche. Nature’s energy or wisdom, the ultimate mystery of life and death and rebirth.

(2) The feminine in its various aspects may be experienced as both positive and negative. The cat may represent the positive, creative - fertile - aspect of the feminine. (In mythology cats are often associated with fertility goddesses.) The dream might be pointing to the possibility of new growth in your personality through a fuller integration of your anima, perhaps (if you are a man), or through a greater reliance on intuition or dream messages.

However, the cat may also symbolize the negative, ‘catty5 or destructive aspect of femininity.

If feminine characteristics in you are repressed, they will probably present themselves, both in dreams and in waking life, in a negative way. For example, a man whose femininity is not integrated into his conscious life may behave in a destructively catty way towards other people.

(3) A black cat may have associations of good luck and prosperity or of evil. (Cats are associated with witches, who - according to how informed your opinion of them is - arc cither priestesses of the Earth Mother and therefore represent the power and wisdom of Nature, or Satan-worshippers and therefore symbols of all that is bad.) See also Witch.

(4) Cats’ eyes are moon-like, and, like the moon, they may signify either the anima, or the unconscious seen as a fruitful womb - a rich source of (new) life.

See also Moon, Woman

A cat in a dream also means shunning off one’s husband, wife or children, or it could mean a fight, theft, adultery, disloyalty, eavesdropping, backbiting or bearing a child from adultery, a bastard child, or it could represent a gentle speaking person, a toadying person or someone who desires to be accepted by others, and should he find an opportune moment, he will spoil everyone’s peace. Acat in a dream also represents a banal woman who likes herself.

If a cat steels something from her master, it means that he may pay a fine, have a fight with his relatives or children, and it could mean a robbery.

A wildcat in a dream means adversities, toiling and a wretched life. Selling a cat in a dream means spending one’s money.

The scratch of a cat in a dream means that one will be betrayed by his servant.

The bite of a cat in a dream represents a hoaxer or a crooked woman.

It is also said that a cat’s bite in a dream means an illness that will last one full year.

(Also see Tomcat)

With a mouse: The power of good over evil. In ancient Egypt, the great God Ra was sometimes depicted as a cat slaying a make with similar connotations.

The ability to land on your feet, even in difficult circumstances, and remain independent.

An emblem of rebirth and new beginnings. Cats have nine lives, upon which one are you now embarking?

If seen on a sailing vessel, very good luck and health (see Boat). Cats eliminated mice from ships on long journeys, thereby decreasing disease.

Magical or mystical energy.

The cat was a sacred creature to the Greek goddess Hecate, and the Roman goddess Diana, both patronesses of witches. Additionally, it was the most commonly mentioned familiar for witches in old Grimoires, medieval books of practical magic that included spells, herbals, and folk wisdom.

An alternative symbol of feminine, lunar characteristics.

Hissing and scratching: A “catty” nature rearing its ugly head, or withheld aggression toward women.

The Cheshire Cat is an emblem of haughty or arrogant attitudes (see Laughter).

If the dream suggests cats are to be feared, this can indicate fear of the female in oneself, fear of females or a particular ‘catty’ female, or difficulty in meeting feelings and intuition.

If you are allergic to cats and dream of one, it might signify a negative and threatening reaction to a situation or relationship.

If cats speak in your dreams, this suggests sexuality, femininity and an ability to express it.

Vision: Seeing a white cat: you feel great affection for someone. Seeing a two-colored cat: your feelings are passionate.

A black cat: always a warning of impending danger. Seeing several cats: be careful, your lover is unfaithful. Dreaming about wild cats: you will have a fight with your neighbors.

Depth Psychology: The cat is, on one hand, a symbol of female sexuality, and on the other hand the essence of deceit. In the dream of a man, the cat stands for his present love life: he has—or would like to have—an intimate relationship with a woman, but a misstep on his side or hers is also part of the picture.

A tomcat in a dream suggests male aggression, together with extreme sexual cravings and frequently changing love partners.

See Animal. Seeing the claws of a cat indicates that either you have suffered emotional harm or you have injured someone else!

The cat can be a symbol of sexuality, femininity, prosperity and power.

A cat is also an independent animal, and in your dream you may be associating yourself or someone else with these characteristics. Usually the dream is telling you about yourself and not others. Historically black cats have been symbols of evil and bad luck.

If you are a cat lover and have one as a pet, the symbolism may not apply to your dream. Old, superstition-based dream interpretations say that a cat is a bad omen and that you can expect deceit from those that you trust.

Feminine representation and qualities.

Cats can be both positive and negative depending on how your relationship is with cats in general, and what the cat is doing in the dream. 

The animal looked up at my face as I wanted to kiss it.

The lips had pink lipstick on. I kissed it, its paw came up around my arm, I could see the black claws. We were rolling around on the floor, it felt very sexual’ (Monica). Refined female sexuality, unless the cat is markedly a torn; can be our intuition, warning us through its sensitivity to moods or un­seen dangers. Idioms: copy cat; bell the cat; cat and mouse; cat’s whiskers; cat out of the bag; cat and dog life; cat on hot bricks; something the cat brought in; a cat’s paw; cat among the pigeons; while the cat’s away.

See example in kiss.

If he dreams that he eats cat’s flesh, he will have the goods of the thief that robbed him: if be dream be hath the skin, then he will have ali the thief s goods.

If anyone dreams be fought with a cat that scratched him sorely, that denotes some sickness or affliction.

If any shall dream that a woman was delivered of a cat, instead of a well- shaped child, it is a bad hieroglyphic, and betokens no good to the dreamer. Also the cat signifies a person of loose morals.

As with all dream symbols, the tone and setting of the dream indicate which meaning is appropriate.

It is a symbol of female sexual organs (pussy) and sexual aggression. But it is also a sign of physical agility, orgasm, and freedom.

If a man or a woman is having a cat dream, it always addresses the feminine side (anima).

The birth of kittens in your dream may announce the opening of intuitive abilities.

A black cat appearing in a dream can represent the malevolent quality of psychic power and can reflect your fears in using your psychic abilities. You may falsely believe these abilities to be evil or destructive.

If you see a black cat it does not mean bad luck, it may be reminding you to pay attention to your intuition and psychic abilities.

See Animal.

If you chase the cat away you will overcome your adversaries or turn your bad luck into good.

For the cat lovers who dream of cats you have a whole new meaning....if the cat is beautiful you will meet an attractive person who will become your mate.

If the cat scratches you then will you meet with treachery and deceit.

The elegant but also the powerful yet overly self-sufficient aspect of woman, may also be perceived as the cat.

A dream wherein the cat attacks you indicates enemies of the female sex.

If you drive the cat away, no harm can damage your reputation. Another version for a thin cat augurs bad news about a friend.

If you chase the cat away, the friend will be safe from danger or illness.

A white cat denotes improprieties for the young, losses for adults.

To dream of being a cat means you will triumph in an upcoming conflict.

If you don’t like cats, or you have an unpleasant experience with them in your dream, you are uncomfortable in some way with the more feminine side of your personality. Also see “Cat Food”, “Cat Litter” and “Kitten.”

A cat washing itself means you need to get your affairs in order.

A cat walking or running is a sign of missed opportunity If a cat scratches you, you will be involved in a lawsuit.

To hear a cats meow is to be warned of coming unpleasantness.

See also Animals.

2. Curious; As in, “curiosity Killed the cat”;

3. Witchcraft; 1 Sam. 15:23;

4. Word play catty;

5. Your own pet.

Two cats fighting Rebellious spirit; 2 Tim. 3:7;

Fierce defense of loved ones or pursuit of something desperately desired.

Royalty; godliness; a keeper of hidden knowledge. Astrological parallels: Venus, Taurus.

It is a dream of contrary and shows unexpected deceit by some one whom you trust.

A black cat may symbolize woe to an unbeliever

2. Aloof.

3. Quick.

See Animal.

Dreaming of cats can have various interpretations, depending on the cat's color, behavior, and other elements in the dream. Cats are often associated with feminine energy, independence, and intuition. However, they can also represent deceit, betrayal, or jealousy in some instances.

Lucky Numbers:

01-17-23-39-44-53

Interpretation of Specific Cat Dreams:

• Angora cat: You will be double-crossed by someone who envies you.
• Black cat: Illness caused by spitefulness is approaching.
• Brown or gray cat: Someone you trust is deceiving you.
• Calico cat: You may perceive deceit where there is none.
• Tomcat: Artful deception related to your frequent change of sexual partners.
• White cat: Hiding your affection for someone will lead to sorrow.
• Wild cat: Conflict with neighbors over a pet; ward off complications.

Actions Involving Cats:

• Being attacked by a cat: Driving enemies away may cause them to take desperate actions.
• Beaten by a cat: Treachery by someone who projects their own unpleasant thoughts onto others.
• Being a cat: Your desire for independence is wise.
• Birth of a cat: A sudden awareness of an unconscious aspect of yourself.
• Claw of a cat: You will be victimized due to your indiscretion.
• Defending yourself from a cat: Your reputation may be harmed.
• Eating rats (by a cat): You will receive repayment of money loaned.
• Fighting with a dog: Quarrels with neighbors over an incident, such as a fire.

Other Cat Dream Scenarios:

• Hitting a cat: You will fall into bad company, harming yourself and others.
• Kittens being delivered: Divorce is imminent, whether married or not.
• Pregnant cat: You will be robbed by a skilled burglar.
• Scratched by a cat: Someone is plotting your downfall; you should cause them discomfort first.
• Playing with a cat: Expect a visit from enemies at home.
• Siamese cat: You will obtain modest employment with minimal effort.
• Sleeping cat: Annoying gossip from friends with little tact.

See Feminine Archetypes, Cats.