The Most Powerful Cats in Chinese Mythology and Beyond
In Chinese mythology, the most formidable feline is the cat-ghost, known for its ability to devour human hearts. While the cat-ghost reigns supreme in Chinese lore, other powerful cats appear in mythologies worldwide, including the Nekomata , Bastet, and the Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat). The cat-ghost, or maogui , also called cat gu , is a creature from ancient Chinese witchcraft. It is said that sorcerers would raise these cats and manipulate them to harm others for personal gain. Those targeted by a cat-ghost would suffer agonizing pain as the creature devoured their internal organs, especially the heart. Tales of the cat-ghost are documented in historical texts like the Book of Sui and Zizhi Tongjian . Three Powerful Mythical Cats from Around the World 1. Nekomata The Nekomata, also referred to as cat demon or cat spirit, is a yokai in Japanese folklore, often depicted as a black cat with two tails. With large, pointed ears and serrated teeth, these creatures can walk upright. First app...