In traditional Western interpretation, the cat in a dream is an unfortunate omen. In Chinese folklore, the cat is not mentioned and it is not one of the 12 animals of the Chinese horoscope. It is said that the cat overslept while the mouse stayed up all night to be the first in line when the Heavenly Father would give them their yearly assignment so each animal would rule over a period of one year. So the mouse begins the cycle and thus we have the year of the Mouse, Bull, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. This year. 2012, is the Year of the Dragon.
My interpretation is that the cat is a feline, i.e., a small tiger, therefore it could be interpreted as a small tiger in a dream. Tigers are rare animals and they feature prominently in Chinese folklore, in the classical novel All Men Are Brothers (shui Hu Zhuan), and killing a tiger is a hero’s feat. Tigers, fu dogs, dragons, are all heavenly and sacred animals that guard the entrances to many temples, shrines, palaces, and even museums. There is a saying in Chinese that a mouse riding on the back of a tiger fakes its bravery. Those who see the mouse riding the tiger fear the tiger, not the mouse, although the mouse has convinced itself that the people fear it.
To me, seeing many cats in a dream is the same as seeing many children in a dream. Both to me indicate very good fortune and according to classical Chinese interpretation of dreaming of many children, especially young girls, the dream indicates prosperity, abundance, and many offspring.
By the way, in real life now, a recent news report from China said that an official ate some cat meat and died of food poisoning. This was not the only news report about dying from eating cat meat. Every now and then there has been a report or two about someone eating cat meat and dies.
masterchensays 