Learn about Nekomata: When cats transform into goblins, it's like a nightmare!

Even cats can become the infamous demon: Nekomata. Do you believe it?

Japanese demons have intriguing connections to various aspects of life, often intertwined with humans, animals, and even ordinary objects. Cats, typically seen as beloved pets in many cultures, are no exception to this connection in Japanese folklore.

In contrast to Western beliefs that associate cats with stealing the breath of newborns, Japanese folklore tells a different tale: cats need to stay away from the recently deceased to prevent breathing new life into the corpses. This belief is not unique to Japan but is prevalent in many Eastern cultures, albeit with a somewhat more eerie twist in Japan.

According to this unsettling lore, when a cat reaches a certain age, typically a very long life, its tail will split in two, and it gains supernatural powers. Some say that a cat living up to 40 years may become a Nekomata, while others believe this transformation can occur after at least 20 years (although, in reality, the average lifespan of a cat is far shorter, usually up to 19 years at the most). Additionally, legends suggest that cats subjected to abuse or cruelty by humans can transform into malevolent spirits and return for vengeance.

These supernatural feline creatures are known as Bakeneko (cat monsters) or Nekomata. According to legend, Nekomata's tail splits into two branches at the tip, or two separate tails emerge from a single root. Their size can be similar to that of regular cats or even abnormally large, sometimes two to three times the usual size. However, they possess the ability to shapeshift, allowing them to appear much larger or take on the guise of other creatures.

Nekomata frequently interact with the human world in various ways. They are often depicted dancing or speaking in human languages, and they are believed to be the source of ghostly phenomena, such as ghostly fires, in their surroundings. They have the power to control corpses, similar to witches, by leaping over the heads of recently deceased bodies and using these reanimated corpses to exact revenge on individuals or families they deem responsible for wronging them.

Nekomata have an insatiable appetite for human flesh and are known to consume it voraciously. According to a 13th-century diary by a Kyoto nobleman, Meigetsuki (The Record of the Clear Moon), a Nekomata in a fit of rage devoured seven or eight people in a single night. They are so ravenous that they may recklessly attack their owners or even take on human forms to seduce ordinary people, consuming their flesh or draining their life essence over time.

However, in "Strange Lands, Volume 2: Japan" by Duong Hanh Triet, these cats are portrayed somewhat differently. They are depicted as protectors of humans, capable of consuming malevolent spirits and granting each other longevity to hasten their transformation. Cats that transform into humanoids through the lifespan of another cat tend to forget their past and are compelled not to harm cats if they wish to retain their humanoid form.

In conclusion, these tales of Nekomata and Bakeneko, while deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and mythology, serve as powerful reminders of the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world. They challenge us to reflect on the ways we treat animals and the consequences of our actions.

These legends may carry a hint of the supernatural, but their underlying message is crystal clear: we must treat animals, particularly our beloved feline companions, with kindness and respect. The stories of Nekomata and Bakeneko, with their supernatural transformations and appetites for human flesh, underscore the importance of humane treatment of animals and the dangers of cruelty.

Ultimately, these mythical creatures exist not to terrify us but to inspire compassion and responsibility. By understanding and embracing these legends, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the bond between humans and animals, and we can choose to protect and care for our pets, ensuring their well-being and happiness.

So, the next time you gaze into the eyes of your feline friend, remember the tales of Nekomata and Bakeneko. Let them serve as a reminder to cherish and care for these wonderful companions, for in doing so, we honor the spirit of these legends and enrich our own lives with the unconditional love and companionship that cats provide. And should you ever encounter these mythical creatures in your dreams or stories, you will know that their true message is one of compassion, not fear, and that the bonds we share with our pets are among the most precious in the world of mythology and reality.