The superstition may go back to prehistoric times
Interestingly, the deeply ingrained human apprehension towards cats might trace its origins back to the dawn of humanity. Early human beings, foraging and hunting in an untamed world, constantly had to remain alert. This was largely due to the presence of fearsome predators like the saber-toothed tiger, which stalked the prehistoric landscapes, threatening human survival.
In the distant past, the human species occupied a precarious position in the food chain. Unlike the modern world where humans stand tall as apex predators, our ancestors were constantly under threat from various formidable creatures of the wild. Among these threats were the ferocious, carnivorous felines that roamed the ancient terrains. This inherent vulnerability required early humans to always remain vigilant, for any lapse in caution might lead them directly into the jaws of a hungry beast.