Fern Flower
Published on November 11, 2018

Bakeneko

  • Bakeneko
  • Bakeneko
  • Baka-neko
  • The monster Cat
  • A cat that can change its appearance

Regions of expansion

Japan 1
Japan

Description

In Japan, it is believed that a long-tailed cat can become a werewolf over time. They can take the form of the deceased or inhabit his body. But even without this, the animal can walk on its hind legs and talk.In human form, bakeneko demonstrate superhuman flexibility, mobility and cunning.

There are several ways for a cat to become a bakeneko: According to Japanese folklore, any cat that has lived for more than thirteen years, either tricolor, or one that weighs 1 kan (3.75 kg), or has a long tail, can become a bakeneko. In the latter case, the tail is bifurcated; such a bakeneko is called a nekomata (yap. 猫又 or 猫股 forked cat).

Bakeneko can create ghostly fireballs, walk on her hind legs; she can eat her master and take his form. It was also believed that if such a cat jumped over a fresh corpse, it would revive it.

Bakeneko also preys on humans. He puts his huge paws in the door, looking for human prey, as ordinary cats do when they hunt at a mouse hole.

Often these creatures are depicted licking oil from lamps (in ancient lamps, oil was made from fish oil). Because of this, they can breathe fire.

Bakeneko in popular culture