Found in: Scottish Highlands
The Cat Sith (Scottish Gaelic: Cat Sìth; Irish: Cat Sidhe) is a fae creature from Celtic mythology, described as a large, spectral black cat with a white spot on its breast. However, some folklore suggests that it is not a fae, but a witch in disguise; able to transform into a cat nine times.
It was believed that the Cat Sith could steal a person's soul before it was claimed by the gods by passing or jumping over their corpse before burial. To prevent this, methods of "distraction" were used, such as games of leaping or wrestling, catnip, riddles, and music, in order to keep the Cat Sith away from the corpse. They also kept from lighting fires in the same room as the corpse, as it was believed that the Cat Sith would be attracted by the warmth.
On Samhain, it was believed that the Cat Sith would bless any house that left a saucer of milk out for it to drink. Those that did not would be cursed into having all their cow's milk run dry.
Artist notes: Pencil on paper. I really like the cynical expression in this sketch.
As a side note, I think that a Fairy Cat may have emigrated to the U.S. somehow; a great number of cats in my hometown seem to be descended from one, including our own resident Monster. However, his spot is on his lower belly, and he seems to take after a different relative; he is very clingy and squeaks when he meows. He also drools when you pet him.
Last updated 11/9/15
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