Have you ever noticed how cats have a way of stealing the spotlight in supernatural books and movies?
Whether they’re harbingers of doom, masters of the jump scare, or even saving the day, cats seem to have a permanent place in the world of the paranormal.
Let’s dig into some of the recurring themes
and plot devices that make these feline stars so unforgettable.
And if you’re as fascinated by these four-legged scene-stealers as I am, you’ll love my book, Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies, where I explore their cinematic roles in detail.
Guardians Between Worlds
Cats have long been viewed as creatures with one paw in this world and the other in the supernatural. In films, they often take on the role of guardians—protecting characters from unseen forces or warning them of danger. Think of the titular feline in The Cat That Came Back or the animated cats in Studio Ghibli's The Cat Returns. These cats aren’t just background props; they’re often messengers or guides, steering the story and its characters toward the truth (or a chilling twist).
Loyal Familiars
In many supernatural stories, cats play the role of loyal familiars, especially when witches and magic come into the mix. From Hocus Pocus’ snarky but brave Thackery Binx to Sabrina the Teenage Witch’s Salem Saberhagen, these cats bring wit, wisdom, and occasionally some much-needed comic relief.
But it’s not all lighthearted fun. Familiars often tie their fates to their human companions, adding emotional depth to the story. These magical partnerships remind us why cats are seen as more than pets—they’re allies in the battle against dark forces.
Masters of the Jump Scare
Cats are a classic tool for delivering jump scares in supernatural films, and it’s easy to see why. Their sudden, unpredictable appearances make them perfect for jolting viewers out of their seats. A cat’s sudden leap from the shadows, accompanied by a piercing yowl, can ratchet up tension and release it all at once—an effective way to keep the audience on edge.
Directors often use cats as red herrings, startling viewers with an intense moment that turns out to be harmless, only to follow it up with a real scare moments later. This clever misdirection not only highlights the cat’s knack for being in the right place at the right time but also reminds us why they’re so indispensable to supernatural storytelling.
Harbingers of Doom
If a cat crosses your path in a supernatural film, you’d better watch your step. Cats frequently act as harbingers of doom, signaling that something wicked this way comes.
But it’s not always so straightforward. Sometimes, the "omen" is a misdirect, lulling viewers into a false sense of security before the real horror strikes.
Agents of Supernatural Justice
Cats often serve as agents of supernatural justice in stories, bringing karma to those who deserve it.
Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Black Cat” was the first tale to depict a cat as a force of eerie retribution. In Poe’s story, the feline embodies guilt and vengeance, leading the narrator to expose his own crimes.
This portrayal set the stage for countless other films and books where cats act as avengers of wrongs, often targeting those who harm them or disrupt the natural order. From spectral cats exposing killers to magical felines punishing evildoers, this theme remains a powerful way to remind audiences that justice—especially the supernatural kind—can come with claws.
The Cat That Came Back
Cats’ infamous nine lives make them natural candidates for supernatural survival. They often seem to endure situations that would finish off any other character. This resilience becomes even more potent in films like Sleepwalkers, where the cats are a literal army of protectors.
Why Cats?
Why do cats keep returning as recurring symbols in supernatural books and films? The answer lies mostly in their real-world mystique and the deep well of cat mythologies and superstitions around the world. Across cultures, cats have been seen as omens, guardians, and even magical beings, feeding countless stories that blend the feline’s natural intrigue with the supernatural.
On top of all that, many writers and filmmakers are unabashed cat lovers who can’t resist weaving their favorite animals into their work. Whether they’re being used to frighten, amuse, or mystify audiences, cats remain endlessly adaptable and utterly captivating on screen.
If you’re a fan of cats in film, or just love dissecting the supernatural genre, you’ll find even more fascinating insights in my book, Meow! Cats in Horror,Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies. It’s a deep dive into the roles these feline stars play across genres—and how they continue to leave their pawprints on our hearts (and our nightmares).
So, the next time you watch a supernatural movie and spot a cat lurking in the shadows, ask yourself: Is it a guardian? An omen? Or something far more sinister? One thing’s for sure—the cat always comes back.
VANESSA MORGAN is the editor of When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals, Strange Blood: 71 Essays on Offbeat and Underrated Vampires Movies, Evil Seeds: The Ultimate Movie Guide to Villainous Children, and Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies. She also published one cat memoir (Avalon) and four supernatural thrillers (Drowned Sorrow, The Strangers Outside, A Good Man, and Clowders). Three of her stories became movies. She also introduces movie screenings at several European cinemas and film festivals and is a programmer for the Offscreen Film Festival in Brussels. When she is not writing, you will probably find her eating out or taking photos of felines for her website, Traveling Cats.
WEBSITES
PURCHASE LINKS
Posts
