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International Cat Day
“Touch not the cat bot a glove”
~ Clan Chattan motto
Clan Chattan, whose name is often translated as “Clan of the Cats,” is one of the most intriguing and storied clans in Highland Scotland. Unlike a typical clan descended from a single ancestor, Clan Chattan developed as a confederation of allied families, including the Mackintoshes (the chiefly line), Macphersons, Davidsons, MacBeans, MacGillivrays, and others. Together, these kindred clans formed a military and political alliance in the 14th century that endured for centuries.
The feline connection has fascinated historians and storytellers alike. The name Chattan may come from Saint Cattan, a lesser-known early Celtic missionary, but over time the association with wildcats—and perhaps something older and more mystical—took hold. In Highland lore, the Scottish Wildcat (Felis silvestris grampia) became a fierce and fitting symbol for the confederation: solitary, untameable, and brave when cornered. Many Clan Chattan families adopted the wildcat as a crest, and it often appears in their heraldry with the motto “Touch not the cat bot a glove”—a warning that the wildcat (or clansman) may seem quiet, but is dangerous when provoked.
Even today, the cat lives on in clan badges, crests, and, of course, the proud wearing of the Clan Chattan tartan—symbolizing the strength and unity of this unique Highland confederation. Clans such as Macpherson, Mackintosh, MacBean, and MacGillivray all feature the wildcat in their mottos, crests, or chiefs’ heraldry, further reinforcing the enduring identity of Clan Chattan as the fierce and watchful "Clan of the Cats." ❤️ 🧡 💙 💚 🤍 🖤 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐯 🐈 🐈 🐈
Though not an unusual tartan, on the International Day of the Cat, we feature the Clan Chattan tartan for its association with the Scottish wildcat, an animal figuring prominently in many place names in the highlands.
There is a theory that the name Chattan came from the Catti who were a tribe of Gauls who had been driven out by the Romans. Another theory is that the name comes from Catav in Sutherland.
The most widely accepted theory is that this clan is descended from Gillichattan Mor who was the great servant of Saint Cathan, a member of the ancient Culdee Church who lived on the island of Bute. By the 12th century, descendants and followers of the Saint had spread to Glenloy and Loch Arkcaig in Lochaber.
The clans making up the Chattan federation have a wildcat featured on their crest with the motto: "Touch not the cat bot a glove." 'Bot' means without. The motto serves as a warning that one should beware when the wildcat's claws are 'without a glove' (unsheathed). It is a reference to the historically violent nature of the clan and serves as a metaphorical warning.
According to Clan Chattan Association of the UK, clans that currently make up the Clan Chattan Association are as follows:
Clan MacIntyre of Badenoch
Clan MacLean of Dochgarroch (the Macleans of the North)
Clan MacPhail
The individual Clans of the Chattan Confederation have their own tartans.
For more on the history of Clan Chattan, click the crest.