Yet even trough these dark times, some people continued to believe that cats were lucky. Buddhists believe that the presence of a dark cat would insure that a household never lacked gold. A pale cat would attratc silver to the house.

In France, there was a belief in matagots , or magical cats. These wonderful felines would bring good fortune to their owners as long as they were loved and well looked after. Dick Wittington, who became Lord Mayor of London four times, had — according to legend — just such a companion.

Throughout history, some cats have found themselves in illustrious company.

The Prophet Mohammed is said to have loved them; one story tells of how he cut off the sleeve of his robe because one of his favorites was sleeping there, and he was loath to disturb her.

Popes and kings have also kept pet cats, while in more recent times President Theodore Rosevelt´s cat, Slippers, was a regular guest at state ocasions. Winston Churchill`s ginger tom attended wartime cabinet meetings, while many artists and writers have kept cats as both companions and inspiration.