Bad Luck Cats?
 By Cristina Mejia

Author's Note: For my story, I will be telling the story as a Grandpa Cat. He will be telling a story to his grand-kittens about why he and many others are losing their nine lives. I liked the idea of telling why humans have certain feelings toward cats and as well as why cats have these feelings towards humans. I didn't change the origional myths that much, due to the simplicity of both of them. The original myths are pretty clear on what people think about cats- especially black cats. That is the main reason I picked these to particular stories. The myths about black cats are widely known in America. However, no one ever thinks anything about white cats.

A little information about the kittens:

Tophers is a Tortoise shell cat. She is the youngest of them all.
Mona is a Tortoise Shell cat also. She is the oldest.
Jonnie is a black and white tuxedo cat. She is the second youngest.
Frankie is a grey and white tuxedo cat. She is the second oldest.

"Hey Grandpa Cat, will you tell us one of your famous stories?" questioned Tophers.

"Sure, but let's get everyone together first. Tell your sisters Mona, Frankie, and Jonnie to meet us on the back porch," Grandpa Cat said.

"Gather around, my furry little grand-kittens, for I will once again tell you why so many of us, including myself, are losing our nine lives," Grandpa Cat told his four grand kittens. "Many humans believe that we cats have these nine lives because we get into so much mischief, but the fact is that every time they tell one of these famous myths, we lose a life. The only way for us to regain this life is to tell you the truth about these humans. I will begin with the Curse of The Black Cat," he stated.

Grandpa began, "Here in America, humans believe every time a black cat crosses their path from the left, they will have bad luck. However, if one of us crosses them from the right, it will bring good fortune. This is why it is known as The Curse of the Black Cat. Humans especially tend to think this around certain times of the year. When the leaves start to turn colors and the winds start to get cold, this is when, my dear kittens, you need to be more aware. Humans tell the story that if one of you are to cross their path, they shall take several precautions to keep from having bad luck."

"Like what?" Tophers questioned.

"Such as walking twelve steps backwards, or nicely greeting us, or even petting us three times," Grandpa expained.

"But don't humans know that we aren't all 'bad' luck?" asked Jonnie. "Grandpa, do you think that I will be in any danger?" Jonnie wondered.

"My dear little Jonnie, you have nothing to worry about," Grandpa assured her.

"In England," Grandpa continued, "black cats are considered to be lucky. They also believe that we are really witches disguised as a cats, or that our 'owners' are witches. But telling you about witches would take up a whole other day."

"There are also other circumstances in which a black cat is believed to bring good luck. I was once told by your Great-Grandpa Cat that fishermen's wives keep us around because they think it keeps their husbands from being killed or any other danger from happening. We were also considered very worthy, so we were often stolen."
"So Grandpa, is that why the humans keep you around? Because you are good luck?" pondered Frankie.

"I think that is exactly why. Plus, I think they enjoy you guys as well," Grandpa said with a smile.

"Anyhow, little one, there are several different myths about black cats, but humans also have myths about our fellow white cats. Humans tend to associate white cats with being pure and having good fortune. In England, we white cats are considered to be bad luck, much like the black cats in America," Grandpa added.

"But Grandpa, what about the rest of us that aren't black or white?" asked Mona.

"My sweet little Mona, the important lesson, to you and all my furry little ones, that you need to remember, is that we are neither bad nor witches. We are here to help these humans cope with their problems. And of course to keep those pesky mice out!" Grandpa exclaimed.

"But Grandapa, will you tell us the famous story about the cat and the baby's soul?" exclaimed Mona

"Of course I will, my little one," Grandpa said. "But it will have to be tomorrow."

"Come on Grandpa, just one more! PLEASE!" the kittens begged.

"Little ones, it is time for lunch," Grandpa said. "We will talk about The Cat and the Baby's Soul tomorrow. Same time, same place."


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    Bibliograpghy Informaion:
    Black Cats: Superstitions and Myths About the Black Cat, by Tippy and Alfred
    Feline Folktales: Cats in Folklore and Superstition, Sarah Hartwell, 1995

    Image Information:
    "Big White Cat, Small Black Cat" provided at:Art.com


    If you have any questions about the story you read or you would like any additional information, please feel free to email me.

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