This is what I am aware of about cats in the Middle Ages:
Cats were associated with women as dogs were with men. (I suspect because
dogs were used for hunting while cats tended to remain near the home and
barn for mousing.) They are also noctural creatures. Thus cats were
natural familiars for witches. I have heard rumours of cats being hung
with their condemned witch owners, but have no citation for that
information.
As to a medieval source, Physica, cats have the same humours as females.
They are not stable during summer months, due to "licking snakes and frogs
for moisture". This poisons their brains and causes odd and dangerous
behaviour. When pregnant, cats fuel lust in humans. They lack loyalty
except to the one who feeds it.
Ironically, anchorites were allow to keep a cat as a companion. This was
sanctioned by the Church. I am not sure if this was for mousing purposes
or to relieve loneliness. Julian of Norwich is known to have kept cats and
is often illustrated with one at her feet.
My own sentiment is that witch associations with cats this stemming back
to ancient fear and loathing of the Egyptian cat goddess.
Su Terry
Dowling College
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