Disclaimer: A dream belongs to the dreamer. This blog only offers suggestions for you to explore. If you want to explore a dream, book a Dream Consultation to go into depth about the meaning of your particular dream.
This blog is part of a series about animals in dreams, also read:
Elephant in dreams: 3 archetypical implications
Dog in dreams: 3 archetypical implications
Cats are mysterious creatures, often associated with independence, intuition, and the supernatural. When they appear in dreams, their meaning can vary based on the dream’s context and the cat’s behavior. Whether they symbolize good luck, hidden fears, or spiritual messages, understanding the significance of cats in dreams can provide insight into your subconscious mind.
The Egyptian Cat Goddess Bastet
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Bastet was the goddess of home, fertility, and protection. She was depicted as a lioness or a domestic cat and was revered for her ability to ward off evil spirits. Dreaming of Bastet or an Egyptian cat could indicate a connection to divine feminine energy, protection, and spiritual awakening. It may also symbolize a need to embrace your independence and power.
Bastet, in Egypt, has no witch traits at all. Her dark side has to do with the land of the dead and of the moon (which is also the land of the dead). But she has no devilish qualities. She’s an extremely positive archetypal figure. She has to do with fertility, with folk festivals, and also with music. The sistrum, musical instrument of Isis, was always associated with the cat and excavations in Egypt have discovered many cats with a sistrum. That is because of those beautiful love songs they sing in the night, though they’re not quite for our ears. Bastet was always supposed to be very musical. For instance, at her festival, the people went on barges down the Nile and the women turned their backs, lifted their skirts and showed their behinds to the applauding masses on the shore. That was the kind of fun they had in honor of Bastet. Fertility, sexual rites, even lasciviousness and so on were part of it, but all on the positive side. She had no dark witch traits. (Marie-Louise von Franz, The Cat: A Tale of Feminine Redemption, 1999, p. 58).
Before diving into the darker aspects of cat symbolism in dreams, it’s important to acknowledge the dual nature of these creatures. Bastet, as a representation of protection and fertility, embodies the positive aspects of feline energy, yet cats can also appear in dreams as ominous figures. This contrast reflects the way different cultures have perceived cats throughout history—both as guardians and as symbols of misfortune.
Dreaming of a Cat Attacking You
A dream where a cat attacks you may indicate feelings of betrayal, fear, or challenges in your personal life. This could symbolize unresolved tensions, particularly with someone you perceive as deceptive or untrustworthy. Alternatively, it might reflect internal struggles, such as resisting aspects of your own independence or femininity. If the attacking cat is aggressive or wild, it may suggest you feel overwhelmed by external forces.
Dreaming About a White Cat
Seeing a white cat in your dream often represents purity, intuition, and spiritual enlightenment. However, depending on the emotions experienced in the dream, it can also indicate confusion or illusion. White cats may symbolize a need for clarity in your life or suggest that something appears more innocent than it truly is. If the white cat seems friendly, it could mean positive changes are on the horizon.
In folklore and fairy tales, the white cat is the liberator of the oppressed, and helper of impoverished or underprivileged young men. It uses its cunning and resourcefulness to overthrow the powers of darkness and brings wealth, power, and honor. (Marie-Louise von Franz, The Cat: A Tale of Feminine Redemption, 1999, p. 57)
Dreaming About a Black Cat
Black cats in dreams are commonly associated with mystery, magic, and superstition. While some cultures view them as symbols of bad luck, they can also represent hidden knowledge, intuition, and protection. If you feel fear in the dream, it may indicate anxieties or superstitions in your waking life. Conversely, a friendly black cat can be a sign of embracing your intuition and inner wisdom.
The black cat is often an omen of misfortune, bringing poverty and frustration. It oppresses and tortures. It is a traitor and a thief. The solar cat, the light of the world, is to be seen at the foot of Christ, while the demonic cat sits at the foot of Judas. (Marie-Louise von Franz, The Cat: A Tale of Feminine Redemption, 1999, p. 55)
The Symbolic Meaning of Sex and Cats
Cats have long been connected to sensuality, passion, and desire. Their graceful movements and independent nature often symbolize feminine energy, independence and attraction. Dreaming of a cat in a romantic or intimate setting may indicate repressed desires or a longing for deeper emotional connections. Cats in this context can also serve as a reminder to embrace one’s personal power and confidence in relationships.
Cats as Symbols of Fertility and the Female Body
Throughout history, cats have been linked to fertility and the female reproductive system. Their nurturing instincts and connection to cycles of nature make them powerful symbols of creation and birth. In some interpretations, the cat represents femininity and the womb, emphasizing themes of sensuality, renewal, and life. If you dream of a cat in this way, it may indicate a deeper awareness of your own body, femininity, or creative potential.
Conclusion
Cats in dreams carry diverse meanings, from independence and intuition to warnings about deceit or personal struggles. The context of the dream and your emotions during it are crucial in determining its significance. Whether the cat is attacking, white, black, or tied to ancient mythology, understanding these dream symbols can offer valuable insight into your subconscious thoughts and emotions.
Literature List
Marie-Louise von Franz. The Cat: A Tale of Feminine Redemption (1999). Inner City Books.
