The symbolism of a mysterious cat speaks volumes
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One aspect of a cat’s feline identity stands out: their mysteriousness
Anthropomorphising animals – meaning to give them human qualities – has been characteristic of all art forms. It is endearing, humorous and entertaining. It can also be upsetting.
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As far as cats are concerned, one aspect of their feline identity commonly takes centre stage in this process: their mystery.
Most people know cats as domesticated pets that do funny things and come and go silently. No one truly knows what they do in other people’s gardens or when they are out at night.
Perhaps this is why they have been used as symbols repeatedly. Just looking online one finds many lists branded as “top cats in literature”.
What does this mean exactly?
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One stands out as an emblem of mystery. He is called Macavity, the mystery cat – named by T.S Elliott in his collection of poems entitled “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats”. Another is the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland.
Both have supernatural powers. Leaving no footprints, they disappear from the scene as fast as they arrive.
Elliott’s poem conjures up powerful imagery of this mischievous cat described as tall, thin and ginger. Underneath it all is a theme of crime that cannot be caught.
The poem is charming, witty and has a pleasing rhyme containing memorable lines such as “When they reach the scene of crime, Macavity’s not there!”
Macavity is untidy, with sunken eyes and never combing his whiskers. He gives the impression of being neglected by society. When you think he is sleeping, he is wide awake. Able to defy gravity, he proves too confusing for intelligence agencies.
The crimes he has committed are stealing jewels and documents. Clearly however, the poem is likening Macavity’s actions to those of human beings. After all, a “cat” cannot do these things. It is therefore a metaphor for people who can, and get away with it – like Macacity does.
We would interpret this to mean people in power since they have the capability to bend the law to their advantage.
While it may seem that Macavity the cat is associated with being a villain, he is in fact presented as a magical entity.
We all know cats are adorable pets.
Nevertheless the questions remains: why was the symbol of a cat chosen to represent this “uncatchable” crime?
What is it about their nature that makes them so mystical and mysterious?
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