The Wampus Cat is a cat-like cryptid found in American folklore, which varies widely in appearance, depending on region.
The Wampus Cat has a long history in American folklore. Cherokee legends speak of Running Deer, a Cherokee woman who sought revenge against the evil spirit Ew'ah, known as the Spirit of Madness. She defeated the spirit and became the tribe's Spirit-Talker and Home-Protector. Some believe that Running Deer's spirit resides in the Wampus Cat, which guards Cherokee lands against dark forces.
Another Cherokee legend holds that the Wampus cat was once a woman who spied on a sacred ceremony by clothing herself in a mountain lion's pelt. Caught in the act, a medicine man transformed her into the fearsome feline entity known today as the Wampus Cat.
The Wampus cat, or something similar, is known by various names throughout the Appalachian region. They are sometimes known as Gallywampus or Whistling Wampus. The Wampus Cat is often rumored to most often appear at twilight or at dawn, which is when regular cats are in their prime.
In Appalachian folklore, the Wampus Cat is portrayed as the catlike embodiment of a cursed woman who was punished for disobedience or involvement in witchcraft. Some theories suggest that the European concept of shape-shifting witches might have influenced belief about the Wampus Cat, which merged with local Appalachian folklore over time.
On December 17, 1918, the Greenville Sun reported that a "Wampus" was reportedly roaming the big ridge near Gethsemane. Since then, sightings and rumors of the Wampus Cat have persisted, fueling intrigue and stories about the cryptid. However, there has been no tangible evidence to validate the existence of the Wampus Cat.
Speculations include the theory that the Wampus Cat is a cryptid or a previously undiscovered cat species lurking in remote wilderness areas. Others have suggested that it might be a supernatural being, perhaps a guardian of the forests or a vengeful spirit. Another theory is that the legend of the Wampus Cat had its origins in a genetic mutation.
The Wampus Cat is often described as having the features of a mountain lion and a woman. Its body is said to resemble that of a large mountain lion, with powerful legs, sharp claws, and a sleek coat, while its head is described as being more human-like, with glowing eyes and elongated fangs. At times, it is described as having a woman's face with wild, tangled hair, while others say that it has a woman's upper body fused with a cougar's lower body.
In some reports, the creature's eyes are said to glow eerily in the darkness and are sometimes described as being red. Its fur might appear shimmering or phosphorescent, particularly when viewed in the moonlight or in shadowy forests.
Most reports claim that the Wampus Cat is larger than an ordinary mountain lion, and it is sometimes described as being the size of a small to medium-sized bear. Despite its size, it is said to move with stealth and agility, which contributes to the difficulty in spotting it.
Another report claimed that the Wampus Cat has four front legs and two back legs.
The Wampus Cat emits strange, otherworldly sounds, including whistles, screams, and eerie cries.
These descriptions are based on traditions, folklore, and anecdotal reports, and there is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of the Wampus Cat.
Whether it is a fearsome guardian of the environment, a figment of the imagination, or an elusive cryptid, reports of sightings continue, particularly across the Appalachian landscape.
Recommended Resources
Believing the Bizarre: The Wampus Cat
Believing the Bizarre is a paranormal and conspiracy podcast that uploads new episodes every Tuesday. It covers UFOs, conspiracies, hauntings, and cryptids. Episode 128 covers the Wampus Cat. The audio podcasts may be listened to online, and the site also includes descriptions of the cryptid, its origins in Cherokee legends, non-Cherokee legends and reports, and reports of contemporary encounters with the Wampus Cat in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
https://believingthebizarre.com/the-wampus-cat/
Coffee House Writers: Cherokee Wampus Cat
Coffee House Writers is a place where writers and poets can contribute content within the fiction, nonfiction, and poetry genres without being assigned topics. VL Jones's article on the Cherokee Wampus Cat discusses the Cherokee folk tales referencing a creature that may have originated from later tales of the Wampus Cat. It calls out the similarities between various cryptid descriptions and some non-Cherokee legends, from European colonists to 20th-century reports.
https://coffeehousewriters.com/cherokee-wampus-cat/
Encyclopedia Felidae: Werecats, Part V: The Wampus Cat
The Encyclopedia Felidae is focused on cats, and maintained by a blogger named Meredith. Her article on the Wampus Cat is part of a larger story on werecats. It includes a discussion of several descriptions of the Wampus Cat, including the regions of the country from which these descriptions come. Its origins in Cherokee legends, European colonist stories of witchcraft, and other speculations are included, along with its portrayals in the media. Trail cam footage is included, as well.
https://encyclopaediafelidae.com/wampus-cat/
Enigmatic Legend of the Wampus Cat, The
Published on Everything Unexplained, a website dedicated to investigating and exploring the world of unexplained phenomena, this page covers the legends of the Wampus Cat. These legends originate from the Cherokee people and have been continued by generations of residents of the Appalachian region. The page discusses its origins, modern sightings, paranormal experiences, the Wampus Cat in popular culture, and ongoing debates about the cryptid. Various depictures are displayed.
https://everythingunexplained.com/enigmatic-legend-wampus-cat/
Fairytales & Myths: Wampus Cat
The article, published on December 7, 2023, discusses the mythical, legendary, or cryptozoological being known as the Wampus Cat. This creature features in the folklore of rural Appalachia, including East Tennessee. Accounts of the creature vary between localities and the narrator. Descriptions of the cat-like being are discussed, along with legends of a similar creature in Cherokee mythology, non-Cherokee folklore, newspaper reports, and Iredell County sightings.
https://www.fairytalesandmyths.com/wampus-cat/
JNews: The Wampus Cat Myth Explained: Origins and Sightings
JNews is a WordPress theme designed for news, blog, and magazine websites, as well as an independent source of analysis, opinion, information, and news related to Israel or Palestine. However, on July 26, 2023, JNews published an article on the Wampus Cat, offering depictions of the cryptid, as well as an account of its origins, Appalachian lore, historical accounts, physical descriptions and sightings, its purported abilities and behavior, and its appearance in pop culture.
https://voxvine.com/news/science/the-wampus-cat-myth-explained-origins-and-sightings/
Mythical Encyclopedia: Wampus Cat
The Mythical Encyclopedia focuses on myths, legends, and fantastic tales. Its page on the Wampus Cat discusses the legendary creature that has been a part of Southern and Appalachian folklore for generations. The Encyclopedia covers mythology and folklore relating to the Wampus Cat, the origins of the legend, its cultural significance, physical descriptions, color variations, distinct features, habitat, geographic range, preferred environments, dietary habits, and behavioral characteristics.
https://mythicalencyclopedia.com/wampus-cat/
