Feline Astrology: The Virgo Cat Decoded

This is our new revised cat Astrology column with all new graphics and photography of shelter cats by Layla Morgan Wilde. The Kitty Astrology feature began in 2012 and was revamped for the audience at Catster.com (author profile) last year.

Whether you believe in astrology or not, you’ll find something useful or at least entertaining with our monthly column featuring the 12 sun signs of the zodiac. After 30 years of using astrology to analyze feline character, I’ve have found certain traits unique to each sign and each cat. There are of course exceptions to every rule and the sun sign is only one slice of the astrological pie. It’s worth keeping an open mind for any tool that can enhance the understanding of cats or deepen the human animal bond.

If you’re lucky enough to know your cat’s birth date and time a more precise astrological chart can be drawn, but even narrowing the time down to a monthly zodiac or sun sign is helpful to figure out what makes your cat tick. Pedigreed cats with papers will include the date of birth. Even if you have no idea when your cat was born, learning the traits of each sign will help pinpoint their sign. Cats born on the cusp or border of two signs will often have traits of both those signs.

Virgo cats are born between August 22 and September 23

• Symbol: The Virgin
• Ruling Planet: Mercury
• Element: Earth
• Color: Gray and dark blue
• Gem Stone: Sapphire
• Archetype: The caretaker

Virgo is ruled by Mercury, the planet which rules communication makes these cats alert but somewhat skittish. A Virgo cat’s attractive and expressive faces have delicate and even pointy or angular features. They lean towards small, lean and wiry frames. Even plump Virgos never look like slobs. These neat, tidy cats appear dainty and refined regardless of gender. You’ll rarely see them with sprawled legs akimbo in the unsightly poses of some LOL cats. Virgo kitties would likely frown on those LOL cats for their poor taste. A Virgo cat would be mortified at being dressed up in silly costumes or made the butt of a YouTube joke. These dignified kitties deserve respect.

How to recognize a Virgo Cat

You may or may not notice their bright eyes looking you up and down. Naturally shy but from under their demure gaze, they don’t miss a thing. Their eyes shine with a sharp intelligence that sees through to your soul. Chances are they won’t make direct eye contact until they feel safe and secure. Even after they know you well, they may look wary with a pensive look of worry or concern.

Their Element is Earth, providing a grounding influence, preferring to be on the sidelines rather than the center of attention like a Leo. By comparison, a chatty Gemini, which is also ruled by Mercury but has volatile Air as their element, has a far more excitable nature.

There is something distinctive about the way they move and walk. Gris Gris has an unusual jaunty gait, and all Virgos have a delicate way of stepping with their delicate paws. If cats ever develop opposable thumbs, Virgo or Gemini cats will be first. They are precise in all their movements and can weave through a shelf of knickknacks without knocking any over.

If you’re looking to adopt a shelter cat, the Virgos won’t be banging against the bars meowing their heads off, “Look at meeee, take meeee home!” You might not even notice them at first. They prefer to sit back in the shadows of their cage or if in a cage-free area, hiding behind a cushion. Take your time to look around and you may be rewarded by a quiet but special cat.

Meeting the Virgo Cat

• When meeting a Virgo kitty, let them come to you, not just at the beginning, but always. If it’s your first time, don’t touch them or God forbid, grab them. Extend something or yours to sniff like eyeglasses, hat or handbag. Thing of it as a polite way to say hello instead or giving a stranger a bear hug. If they like you, they’ll sit nearby. They hate being pawed at, over-petted, hugged or drooled over with baby talk. If they sit on your lap, consider yourself very lucky.

Is a Virgo Cat For You?

What Virgo cats need above all is consistent routine and order in a quiet home. Travelling rock stars or party animals need not apply. A writer or self-employed techie working from home would be catnip to a Virgo. Home doesn’t have to be big or fancy but they want a place for everything and everything in its place. They will need their own cozy beds, perches and hidey holes. Even with their own bed, they’ll have their favorite furniture to snooze on. Don’t keep moving the furniture around. They are very sensitive to smells. Don’t use chemical cleaners. They are the best reason to go green with eco-friendly household cleaners. They’ll nudge you if dinner is five minutes late and won’t be amused if you stumble home at 2 a.m. Paradoxically they’ll look calm, hiding their anxious interior, but then vomit in your shoe.

How to Make A Virgo Cat Happy

• Virgos are quicksilver fast, super-smart but hyper-alert to household friction. They hate loud noises and yelling. It’s best to reassure them in soothing tones that everything will be okay even if they know otherwise. For anyone interested in animal communication, Virgos are one of the best signs for telepathic communication, but they’re difficult to round up when it’s time to go to the vet! All Virgos respond well to praise.
• Never outwardly vain, Virgo kitties take meticulous care grooming their fur just so. Most enjoy being groomed with the appropriate brush for their type of fur.
• Virgo cats are fastidious about everything. They will turn their nose up at a dirty litter box and won’t hesitate to inform you with a surprise “gift” on the rug. If you want to make your Virgo kitty happy, make sure she has her own cat litter box in a quiet and private location. Don’t assault her sensitive sense of smell with strong scented litter. Unscented is best. Keep the litter box sparkling clean and scooped twice a day and you’ll be rewarded with happy purrs.
• They are very sensitive to smells both natural and chemical. Don’t use chemical cleaners. They are the best reason to go green with eco-friendly household cleaners. Virgo cats will probably prefer your own natural scent to perfume. Go light with any spritzing from cologne, deodorant or hair spray.
• Virgo cats can be finicky about food, but not in a fussy pampered Leo way. They like what they like, and if they’re happy, don’t keep changing their food or make changes gradually. When stressed they are prone to digestive woes like vomiting and diarrhea. They don’t care if their food and water bowls are fancy, but keep them squeaky clean. A pretty nonstick mat under their bowls to keep them from sliding would be appreciated.
• With a Virgos high intelligence their laser-like focus, they are master mousers and enjoy problem-solving games including those on digital tablets. The best way to improve the human-cat bond is lots of interactive play with a variety of toys.

Need a nurse or assistant? Virgo are caretakers. They thrive on having some kind of work, whether mousing, grooming you, helping with computer tasks, “snoopervising” imaginary intruders, and care taking other cats or yourself. If you’re ill, a Virgo will purr, coddle and look concerned until you’re feeling better. Some Virgos will herd other cats or dogs making sure everyone is in their place.

If you respect these bright, independent souls (and, yes, they don’t mind being solo kitties), they’ll reward you with their quiet intelligence, devotion, sly humor and refined elegance.

Our shelter cat model is Sandy, a young, female brown tabby. She was adopted.

Do you have a Virgo cat?