One sympathy curious has attracted attention on social media: ask cats for money. In videos that went viral on TikTokpeople appear talking to the felines while making requests for financial prosperity.
In fact, this association is nothing new. Throughout history (and across cultures), cats have often been associated with spiritual protection, intuition and even prosperity.
HAS CNNholistic therapist and researcher of esoteric practices Aline Lima explained that this symbolism spans centuries. “Cats have always been linked to magic and, therefore, they suffered and still suffer today due to fear and ignorance”, he says.
Given this history marked by beliefs e superstitionsmany ended up being victims of persecution over time. Therefore, protectors and scholars advocate that these traditions be understood within their cultural context, without fueling fear or prejudice — always reinforcing respect and care for animals.
In Brazil, this principle is also supported by legislation: the , and the Environmental Crimes Law, of 1998, dedicates a specific chapter to crimes against fauna, although the penalties for mistreatment vary depending on the species involved.
Historical link between cats and prosperity
The association between cats and wealth appears in different cultural traditions. One of the best-known examples comes from , as Alline says. “The cat’s connection with money is found in Egypt, through goddess Bastetwhich is related to fertility and the protection of grain deposits,” he says. In practice, protecting food stocks meant preserving wealth and stability for the community.
Furthermore, other cultures have also developed similar symbolisms. In Norse mythologyfor example, felines were seen as protectors of food supplies. Already in Japanthe popular Maneki-neko — the famous cat that waves at store entrances — is considered an amulet that attracts customers and good luck.
But, after all, does it work?
According to the expert, in magical practices, they are associated with specific energies. Therefore, for those who believe, the energy involved can act as a channel of protection and attraction of good vibrations for material life. “We cannot magically relate the cat to the financial prosperitymainly in order to protect our assets”, he explains.
Although the trend networks is done informally, within the esoteric and ancient traditions the request is usually part of a small ritual. “Every spell has enhanced results when performed within a ritual that goes through four stages: purification, protection, blessing e thanks”comments.
A simplified version can follow the following steps:
- Incense the environment for energy purification;
- Visualize a circle of protection, imagining a sphere around the body;
- Use a representation of a cat, such as a photo or statue;
- Light a yellow candle, a color associated with prosperity and abundance;
- Make the request out loud, expressing the desire for protection and financial opportunities.
After the ritual, the guideline is to let the candle burn until the end and keep the object used as a cat symbol. There is also a final gesture considered important. “As a thank you, the person can make a good deed for the neighborhood felinesespecially abandoned ones”, says Alline.
The best time to carry out this type of practice would be during the crescent moona phase traditionally associated with expansion and growth. And, despite the popularity of , especially on social media, spiritual practitioners highlight that the idea is not for the cat to literally “hand over money”.
The symbolism is linked to the energetic qualities attributed to the animal, which would be able to favor the protection of goods, the opening of paths and the attraction of prosperity for those who perform the ritual. Thus, the practice is seen more as a symbolic gesture of connection with these energies rather than a direct promise of financial gain.
