Cat (heraldic animal)

The cat is in the heraldry an emblem and is not very common. Whether a female or male animal of the house cat is in the coat of arms or in the field can only be clarified with the blazon .

Coat of arms of the Nuremberg patrician Tetzel

Unlike other heraldic animals, the representation is not determined by a special basic attitude. Sitting or walking and often with the head en face (in the sights, as much as looking) is common. All heraldry tinctures are possible, but white and black are preferred. The animal can also be in the upper coat of arms . Many family coats of arms have the heraldic animal in the shield.

The gender society " Zur Katz " (existence from around 1424 to the end of the 18th century) in Constance had a gold-crowned and reinforced silver cat in blue. This patrician society met in their house "To the cat" and had a great influence.

Very often the cat is used in badges, so-called paraheraldry , by the military.

Talking coat of arms

The cat is suitable for a talking coat of arms , as for example with the families Katzmair and von Katte as well as the Count Kazianer zu Katzenstein (cf. Hans Katzianer ).