Witches and familiars, especially the cat, have long been associated. The similarities between the two are numerous, the strongest being resourcefulness and independence. Regardless of gender, both are called "she". Both have also enjoyed a long history of being deified and maligned in many cultures. Not every cat is a candidate for a familiar and not all witches like cats. There are those times, though, when a witch meets a cat and the magick is so strong the two definitely belong together. Bonding instantly is magickal, however, the relationship must grow with love and respect. It is well known that cats see very well in the dark. Their eyes reflect light which enables them to get a double dose of the available light. A cat can alert you to the presence of another human, animal or bird in the dark. There are rituals to strengthen this psychic bond.

Here, from an eighteenth century Book of Shadows, are instructions for the training of the cat to occult use:

"To be performed every evening, at the same time, in the same place....Adapt the cat to sit close by you, facing in the same direction you face which shall be the place where the moon will rise. Stroke gently but firmly with love in your hands until its purrs and your breathing are heard as one sound. Now you and the cat possess the same will, your eyes will see as its eyes see, and your thoughts will travel together. The time has come to work spells and cast enchantments for power is doubled through the agency of your familiar." Witches All, Grosset & Dunlap, 1977

Cats can be finicky. They also adapt, though they may not like the changes. So if you are a first-time cat friend here are some tips to aid you in your new friendship:

• Cat likes her food served in the same place and preferably at the same time each day.

• Prepare a comfortable resting area for Cat using a box or basket with a pillow or blanket tucked inside. Mint tucked under the bedding helps deter fleas and ticks.

• Cat is very fussy about being clean and will lick her coat many times a day. The fur accumulates in her intestines and creates hairballs which can make her ill. So brush Cat often.

• If you place a collar on Cat, be certain it is expandable. If the collar gets caught on something, Cat could choke. With an expandable collar, she can slip out easily.

• Cat will eat meat. Loves it. She needs other nutrients, however. So choose a good quality canned food and dry food to supplement her diet. Always keep a bowl of fresh water available to her. Watch her for she can easily become a Fat Cat.

• Cat does not like being followed. She will investigate any new premises until she feels comfortable that it's safe.

• Cat will have at least three names and one is her secret. Sound familiar?

• If Cat lives indoors either provide a Cat Door for easy access to the outdoors or a kitty litter box that's always in the same place. The litter box must be emptied about every day to keep her and you happy. Another indoor cat must is a scratching post or your furniture will be her target.

• Last but definitely not least - every once in a while Cat loves a little catnip to roll in and chew. Fresh from your garden is perfection. Dried will do.

My neighbor's dog just barked as if to say, "Remember me!"

Dogs, too, aside from being man's best friend, have journeyed with the Gods and are wonderful familiars. The Goddess, Artemis often traveled with a hound at her side. Although not as finicky as Cat, Dog is protective and loving and giving. Unlike Cat, however, Dog comes in all sizes - small, large and XL.

• Dog's rest area needs to be comfortable and large enough for his size. If he doesn't mind, the mint will work here, too.

• Brush, brush, brush. Dog will always be your friend. Also check for ticks, fleas and other problems

• Dog also appreciates something to chew. I suggest something other than your shoes or table legs.

• Dog needs exercise so plan to walk Dog everyday or allow him to romp in an enclosed yard. A Dog door should come with the yard.

• Dog's diet is important. He'll eat most anything and that's the problem. Choose healthy dog food and treats to keep him happy.

• Identifying collars are slowly being taken over by tattoos these days. You'll need one for a leash if you walk Dog.

• Dog is a devoted and lifelong friend. Treat him like one.

• The spell above can also be used for Dog.

"One night my significant other and I were leaving a neighborhood restaurant. Home was four blocks away so we decided to walk. It was late, around midnight. We had walked a block from the restaurant and were three blocks from our home, when a car filled with cruising, drinking, rough characters slowed down on the street beside us. They began to taunt us. We turned to head back to the restaurant. The harassment continued. They drove the car closer to us and stopped, doors open. It was unnerving to say the least. Just as the men stepped from the car, all the while threatening us, a large blond dog appeared out of the darkness and began circling us, with menacing teeth growling and snarling. The men jumped back into the car, closing the doors behind them, and sped away.

We decided to continue towards home. Much to our delight, our new animal friend continued with us, circling us as we walked. The car returned, once, then disappeared for good. When we had reached the corner, three houses from our own home, we stopped. As we watched from where we stood, the dog continued on, walked up our driveway and sat on the steps at the front door. Neither of us had ever seen the dog before that night.

We hurried into the kitchen and emptied our leftovers onto a china plate and filled a bowl with fresh water. As I opened the door, the scene on the steps stopped me cold. The dog was still sitting there, though now he was flanked on either side by our two housemates, Haiku, the maincoon cat and Gypsy, the stray.

I placed the filled plate and bowl of water on the step in front of the dog and thanked him with all sincerity. He ate and drank, turned to look at us and then walking slowly, disapppeared into the night. My thoughts at that moment were, 'Charmed, I'm sure!'"