Lancashire Legends, Traditions, Pageants, Sports, &c./Part 6/Folklore of Cats

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CATS.

The hairs from cats are considered to be very detrimental to health; and these animals are not unfrequently sent away from a house, or destroyed, when any child, or young person, begins to show symptoms of bad health. When cats' hairs get into the stomach they are supposed to be almost indigestible; but that they admit of being dissolved by eating a portion of an egg-shell every morning fasting. This medicine is frequently prescribed. If a cat sleeps in a child's cradle, or on its bed, it is supposed to inhale the child's life, and disease soon follows. When we desire a cat to stay at home, we must grease its feet with new butter and it will not wander away. Again:—a witch and a cat are always good company. Their natures are much alike; and hence, they help to form a portion of every "load of mischief."

Superstitious observances respecting the health and preservation of