When you travel to India, be it the capital New Delhi or the mountain retreats in Darjeeling, you’ll notice that there are plenty of dogs (and cows!) on the streets, but very few cats. In India, like in other cultures, if a black cat crosses your path, you should let someone else pass before you and thus “transfer” the bad luck.
There is a common perception that Indians do not like cats, and this may be due to several reasons. Some people believe that this dislike stems from cultural and religious beliefs, while others attribute it to practical reasons such as hygiene and safety.
Firstly, the cultural and religious beliefs of Indians may play a role in their dislike of cats. Hinduism, which is the dominant religion in India, reveres cows, monkeys, and other animals, but cats are not considered sacred or important. Moreover, some ancient Indian texts such as the Manu Smriti, a Hindu law book, state that cats are unclean animals that should be avoided. Therefore, some Indians may view cats with suspicion or indifference.
Another possible reason for the dislike of cats is related to hygiene. India is a country with a large population and a significant number of stray animals. Stray cats can carry diseases and may be perceived as unclean. Some people may also be allergic to cats, which can further contribute to their dislike. In addition, cats are known to scratch and bite, which can cause infections or injuries, leading to a negative association with the animal.
Finally, the safety of children is also a concern when it comes to cats. In some parts of India, it is common for children to play outside, and stray animals such as dogs and cats can pose a threat. Parents may discourage their children from interacting with cats to avoid any potential harm. Moreover, cats are known to be independent animals and may not respond to commands, making it difficult to control them around children.
Despite these reasons, it is essential to note that not all Indians dislike cats. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of pet ownership, and many people have started adopting cats as pets. This shift in attitudes towards cats may be due to a change in cultural and societal values, where people are more accepting of different types of animals as pets.
So, the reasons why some Indians do not like cats are complex and varied. Cultural and religious beliefs, concerns about hygiene and safety, and practical considerations such as allergies and the behavior of cats all contribute to this perception. However, as attitudes towards pets change and more people adopt cats, it is possible that this perception may shift over time.
Here are 10 specific reasons why Indians don’t like cats:
1. Indians are highly superstitious people and they consider cats as a symbol of bad luck.
2. There is no religious sentiment attached to this animal. There are no gods or goddesses in the Indian mythology that look like a cat. Only the Hindu folk goddess Shashthi, the protector of children, is pictured riding a cat!
3. In Ancient India, the word “cat” was used to refer to outcastes and low castes.
4. In The Laws of Manu (a moral-religious-law code which is paramount in Hindu culture), cats were characterized as covetous and deceptive.
5. India has a collectivist society, while cats are solitary animals.
6. Cats have a strange relationship with humans, one based on partnership not ownership. This doesn’t go well in India…
7. According to some Indians, unlike dogs that give protection, cats don’t “give” anything in return. (How about catching rats and mice?)
8. Black cats are especially loathed as black is the color of Lord Shani, who can inflict bad luck.
9. In India, it’s considered bad luck if you see a black cat before going somewhere.
10. If a black cat approaches an Indian while having a serious discussion, it’s considered a bad omen.
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