What would Halloween be without cats? Their piercing gaze and mysterious presence have made them a symbol of this enchanting night for centuries. But did you know that Halloween wasn’t always about “scary things”? Behind the pumpkins, candles and cobwebs lies an ancient ritual filled with stories about nature, the balance between light and darkness, and yes, about cats too. In this blog, you’ll discover how cats came to play a starring role in the history of Halloween, what the celebration truly means, and how you can enjoy it together with your cat.
The origin of Halloween: where it all began
Long before there were pumpkins and costumes, the Celts celebrated Samhain on October 31: a transitional festival between summer and winter. They believed that on this night the boundary between the world of the living and the dead became thinner.
💡 Spirits could then return briefly, so people lit candles to protect themselves.
Cats were also seen as guardians of the unknown: beings that could move between worlds. Their nocturnal behavior and mysterious gaze made them the perfect symbol for everything unexplainable. Thus, the ancient link between cats, magic, and Halloween slowly emerged.
Witches, superstition and cats: a centuries-old connection
During the Middle Ages, the mystical image of cats took on a darker edge. People believed that witches kept cats (especially black cats) as companions — and could even transform into cats themselves to roam the night unseen.
This superstition spread rapidly in Europe. Cats became a symbol of the unknown, of magic, and sometimes of fear. Cats became a symbol of the unknown, of magic, and sometimes of fear. Fortunately, we now know better: cats are not dark creatures, but smart, intuitive animals that perfectly fit the mysterious atmosphere of Halloween.
Curious to know why black cats bring good luck?
Read also: Black cats bring good luck
Today's Halloween: a mix of spookiness and coziness
Nowadays, Halloween is not just about fear, but about creativity and fun. Pumpkins on the windowsill, a mug of hot chocolate, and a cat curiously looking outside as if it sees ghosts.
This is how you celebrate Halloween together with your cat:
- Create a cosy corner with a blanket, cat tree and some Halloween decorations
- Use safe decorations (avoid real candles or toxic plants)
- Play with light. Cats love chasing shadows!
- Snap a photo of your cat and tag @rhr_pets
Why Halloween isn’t complete without cats
From ancient rituals and witch tales to horror films and sweet treats: cats belong to Halloween like the moon belongs to the night. Their mysterious behaviour, quiet gaze and cheeky charm make the evening just that bit more thrilling. So light a candle, give your cat a comfy spot, and enjoy the spookiest night of the year together.
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Then share the most bizarre moment with your cat in the comments below!
11 comments
There is something quietly unsettling about the way my cat stares at things that are not there. It happens most often when I speak to him, as if my voice calls up a presence only he can perceive. His ears tilt, his head turns slowly, and his eyes widen with that intense, unblinking focus—following a shape moving through empty air. In those moments, the room feels inhabited by something I cannot name, as if I have stepped into only one layer of a place that holds many. I have come to believe that cats do not truly live with us, but alongside us, in a world slightly offset from ours. And when he gazes into that unseen space, I sometimes wonder—very quietly—whether he is the one watching the ghost, or whether the ghost is watching me…
In Japan, they say there are spirits wandering in homes, invisible and caring for it when you treat home with respect. I like to see that this way. Other options are too terrifying!
Vor vielen Jahren saß meine geliebte Katze Shenzi (sie ist leider seit 1 Jahre nicht mehr bei mir :-( ) vor meinem Wohnzimmerschrank und hat versucht dahinter zu kommen. Richtig ausgiebig und mit Nachdruck.
Als ich ihn dann verschoben habe, war meine Schlange, eine Natter, dort versteckt.
Ich hätte nicht bemerkt, dass sie mir ausgebüchst war.
Ohne das Starren und Scharren von Shenzi hätte ich den Ausbruch erst viel später bemerkt.