Divination as determined by the way a cat jumps or moves: Ailuromancy can be a bad omen in the U.S. and Germany when a black cat crosses in front of someone, but it is considered fortunate in Britain. Owning a black cat is also considered by some to be a good divination.

It is a widespread belief that killing or mistreating a cat will bring ill fortune, probably from ancient religious beliefs that cats were sacred animals.