There’s something deliciously rebellious about cats. They don’t obey. They don’t fawn over you. They choose their moments of affection and then retreat into their own world, unapologetically independent. No wonder women, especially those who have dared to live outside the lines, have been compared to them for centuries. And not always kindly.

The “crazy cat lady” stereotype is a perfect example. It’s the tired idea that a woman with too many cats must be sad, lonely, or unhinged.

Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll see what’s really being mocked: a woman who isn’t prioritising marriage, men, or the nuclear family. A woman who lives for herself, surrounded by animals she loves rather than fulfilling the roles patriarchy expects. Cats, with their untamed independence, have become a symbol of that female non-conformity.

Cats, Witches, and Power

The association between cats and women has deep, often dark, historical roots. In medieval Europe, cats (especially black ones) were believed to be companions or “familiars” of witches. Women who lived alone, practiced herbal medicine, or simply refused to conform were demonised. If you were an independent woman with a cat, you might as well have had a target painted on your back.

The church and state feared women’s autonomy, and cats  were a perfect metaphor for it. Witches and their cats became the stuff of horror stories and witch hunts. Owning a black cat wasn’t just quirky; it was dangerous.

Cats as Feminist Icons

Today, cats are everywhere in feminist culture. From the pink “pussy hats” of the Women’s March to viral memes celebrating cat ladies, we’re flipping the script. Being a woman who loves cats no longer has to mean being lonely or “crazy”. It can mean valuing your independence, your comfort, and your chosen family, furry or otherwise.

Cats teach us boundaries. They remind us that we don’t need to please everyone to be worthy of love. They embody a kind of quiet power that feels deeply feminist.

At The Feminist Shop, our new cat collection is all about celebrating this fierce, unapologetic energy. Cats aren’t just cute; they’re symbols of defiance, mystery, and independence. Just like us.