Page 23 - FWG October Issue 2024

Animals Matter

top of bonfires, placed in boiling water, thrown off high buildings, and their associations with witches stopped. Again, the material
maimed, beaten to death, impaled on spits, and roasted alive. purposes of the cat materialised under the threat of the brown rat,
which evaded Eastern Europe. This rat was far more of a threat than
The Medieval Church had promoted the cat with all the negative the native black rat because it wasn’t fussy about its food or shelter.
connotations, associating it with the Devil/evil and with all things Cats once again helped counter the threat to the human race.
heretic. The church had a powerful male-dominated position against
the “weakness” of women, portraying them as temptresses and the It was finally acceptable to own a cat, and his cleanliness became of
bearer of original sin (Eve) versus the sanctity of the Virgin Mary. It huge importance and value. Louis Pasteur had proven that diseases
believed the Devil could get inside them and manipulate them; were caused by bacteria and bred in conditions of foulness and
hence, the witch trials began and continued for many centuries. uncleanliness, thus finally letting the cat off the hook.

The female cat, with its breeding behaviour, was considered to take During the Victorian Age, (1837 – 1901 CE), the cats were once again
many sexual partners, at random, making ungodly sounds in the beginning to enjoy their position as valued household members as
middle of the night. Therefore, a strong association between feminine they once were in ancient Egypt. Queen Victoria of Great Britain had
sexuality and the cat’s promiscuity was made by the Church, and the seen images and articles associating cats with archaeological finds,
justification of witchcraft and the persecution of cats continued. gods, and monarchy. She was a loved monarch, and her acquiring
two Blue Persian cats and publishing the news thereof in the media,
It is reported that throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, these poor highlighting the Egyptian reverence for cats, led to others wishing to
creatures were tormented and killed more than at any other time, follow her path.
especially during Lent, a solemn religious observance in Christianity.
It can be read as a symbolic reference to understanding what was These actions also established a trend in the United States whose
happening politically at the time. editorial by the most popular monthly magazine in America (Godey’s
Lady’s Book, published by Louis A. Godey of Philadelphia 1830 –
The Protestant Church’s hatred of Rome and its resentment of the Pope 1878) carried editorial pieces, poems, and engravings, contributing
and the Catholic Church with all its corruption and abuses included not only to the advocation for women’s rights but for the Christmas
their hatred of cats, (which were believed to have been introduced to Tree, education and to create an occasion celebrating Thanksgiving.
northern Europe and left by the Romans). As perceptions were that
cats were a mixture of evil and the Pope, cats were gathered up and Sarah Josepha Hale, a well-known and respected editor and writer,
burnt alive in basketwork effigies of the Pope. joined Godey’s, increasing its readership, and standing as a leading
magazine. In her 1860 article, she encouraged respect and love
Cats, on their journey through the ages, had assumed various roles, towards the cat. Her influence encouraged and grew the popularity
from monitoring vermin to being worshipped as divine or semi- of felines, and her contribution helped cats to become cherished pets
divine animals to embodiments of evil to close companions through in the United States. We must thank her for this. As time progressed,
the centuries. cats were not only accepted as beloved pets, but as cat shows
became popular, they were being known for their beauty.
Education
It was only when Europe became more educated and aware in the In conclusion, the Medieval Church have much to account for in their
Enlightenment of the 18th century that the ritual burnings of cats treatment of both people, especially cats. It is shocking today, to read
of all the atrocities that were committed in the name of religion and
God. Although one must understand the psyche of the time, it is
shameful that humankind could act in this way, especially knowing
the clergy of the Middle Ages went out of their way to perpetuate
heinous crimes in their condemnation of “witches” and their “familiars”
through assumptions, beliefs, superstitions, and sadism. Jung (1959),
explores the exploitation of animals as the use of “self”, exposing the
mindset of the society of the time, the character and moral compass
of those living through it, and the culture of the people.

We can only hope that these acts will never be perpetuated again,
especially in the name of religion and that there are enough people
in the world to stop the abuse of all sentient beings.

Jeanette Furstenburg is a certified animal behaviourist. She holds a diploma in Companion Animal
Behaviour (DipCABT) with distinction. She is a member of the COAPE Endorsed Association of Applied
Pet Behaviourists and Trainers International (CABTi), which is a member of the UK Dog Behaviour &
Training Charter 2024. She is part of the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN). In addition,
she is a member of the South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP).

For more information, call 082 445 8422,
email: jeanette@animalsmatter.co.za or visit: www.animalsmatter.co.za

Fourways Gardens • 21 • October 2024