Few months ago, I was about sleeping in the dead of the night when a cat meowed repeatedly for reasons I don't know. In a sudden reaction to that, the lady landlord of the house adjacent to mine started screaming prayers. Her enemy-attacking prayers were pitched against the poor cat as though it were some demonic spirit sent to her. This incident brought memories of tales of the demonic powers of cats.

The myth about cats being demonic is as old as that about snakes, birds and spiders. It has been passed from generation to generation, without the source or tales verified.

Some fables are of the belief that cats can be possessed by demons and witches to torment the lives of those they are sent to.

Another opined that cats are not only possessed by demons, demons actually transform to cats to perpetrate occult functions on humans.

Whatever folklore about cats' demonic powers is pumped out and believed seems to have been aggravated by what religious leaders say about them, how Nollywood movies depict them, and the insufficient knowledge we have of them.

But are they really demonic? Before these could be answered, let's take a look at some of their characteristics and why Nigerians think they are demon possessed.

1. Cats cry like human babies
This is common to cats: they cry sometimes like babies for attention or when they are hurt. In fact, it is more common with home cats (cats that are owned and cared for) than wild ones. The home cats do this to manipulate their owners into granting them their wishes. While in the wild, this trait could mean the cat is hurt. So, it does not necessarily mean evil. It is the natural trait of cats.

2. Cats are uncooperative
According to research, cats, unlike dogs, are uncooperative and independent in nature. It was found out that this is as a result of their intelligence. Even in societies with advanced science studies, cats rarely partake in studies or researches--they just don't cooperate. They are believed to have their own mind, and would do what they want. They're not sociable as dogs, hence, they are difficult to understand. They are grumpy little creatures.

3. The glowing cat's eyes
How do you feel when you spot a cat with its glowing eye in the dark? Creepy, right? Well, that is how cats are made. But this is one of the reasons they've been demonized for ages. Research finds that their eyes glow, because of the mirror-like structure behind their retinas which promotes their night vision. This is however not peculiar to cats, as dogs are also known with these eyes when light are shown into theirs.

4. Cats are insecure and introverted in nature
Like I pointed above, cats are not sociable animals. Animal psychologists find that cats are like humans and most times feel insecure and anxious around people, even their owners. Hence, they are withdrawn in nature. This introverted nature enables them to sneak around without being noticed.

5. Cats are night animals
Like Owl and other night creatures, cats are perceived to be evil because they are night predators. This is not peculiar to wild cats; it is a normal behaviour of domesticated cats too. So, they are very much active at night. This is especially one characteristic of cats that suggests them being demonic. In a society where electricity is an issue, it would be a thing of fright to run into this glow-eyes creature at night.

6. Cats can see ghost
Part of the mythological belief that cats are demonic is associated with the belief they can see ghosts. But can a

Source..
https://www.keycopies.com.ng/2020/08/are-cats-truly-demonic.html

For most part of Nigeria, cat and owl na demons. We too dey spiritual here.

No animal, not even snakes are demoniqqq.

This is sad.

Demons can use any creature, shapeshifters can assume any shape

Think about it, why would a demon take the form of a cat when everyone already "knows" cats are demonic? Why wouldn't it come as a dove, dog or even mosquito? Like you called it, it's just a myth. Cats are adorable creatures and they would easily warm up to you if you consistently show them love (yes, their love is conditional, lol). That's why cats in Africa (which are what OP basically described) tend to be skittish, insecure and withdrawn while the ones here have a much better relationship with humans.

_{NB: Animals are generally less skittish in the western world.}

There is a cat in the roof my house me i believe they are nt demonic bt they jus freak me out with their glowing eyes bt whem my mum hears kpapotato in the roof she takes a bell ring it for lyk 5mins and i am for wat P.s i love owls cat nt so much

The belief that cats are demonic is as ridiculous as the belief that witches fly on broom sticks.

IamSalt:
For most part of Nigeria, cat and owl na demons. We too dey spiritual here.

This isn't spiritual, this is unreasonable. Nigerians prefer stupid beliefs to reason and science.

etrange:
Think about it, why would a demon take the form of a cat when everyone already "knows" cats are demonic? Why wouldn't it come as a dove, dog or even mosquito? Like you called it, it's just a myth. Cats are adorable creatures and they would easily warm up to you if you consistently show them love (yes, their love is conditional, lol). That's why cats in Africa (which are what OP basically described) tend to be skittish, insecure and withdrawn while the ones here have a much better relationship with humans.

_{NB: Animals are generally less skittish in the western world.}

Exactly.

I love Cats, especially the black coloured ones.

There is nothing demonic about Cats.

The cats in the university of ibadan female hostel is times two of those in male hostels. Why?

Maneq:
The cats in the university of ibadan female hostels is times two of those in male hostels. Why?

Because many females today are not normal.

Cats has the ability to see in different world dimensions because of the nature of their eyes

Ladylite:
No animal, not even snakes are demoniqqq.

This is sad.

Demons can use any creature, shapeshifters can assume any shape

You sabi book