Cats in Afghan culture

(Pashto: pisho پیشو )

Cats are very positive.  If one has cleaned oneself for prayer, and one comes into contact with another animal – especially a dog– one would have to clean oneself all over again, except with cats.  Cats are allowed in the house, and they can even eat on the table.  They also eat mice: mice are considered very bad animals, primarily as they “steal” food.  Cats in Afghanistan are considered to have seven lives (as opposed to the Western conception of nine); also, if a black cat crosses one’s path, this is also considered bad luck, much like the Western superstition; one can break the bad luck by throwing something at the cat.