Phantom Felines And Other Ghostly Animals - Gerina Dunwich 2006

Earthbound Spirits and Spectral Sightings
Understanding Paranormal Animals

Not all animals that die return as ghosts or spirits. The reason for this can be attributed to several factors. Just as a violent or tragic death can prevent many a human spirit from resting in peace, so, too, can a death of this type cause an animal spirit to remain earthbound. In addition, a strong emotional bond between a human and an animal or a person’s constant grieving for the loss of a beloved pet can sometimes serve as a catalyst for the animal’s ghostly departure from the grave. In such cases, however, the spirit usually remains earthbound for only a brief time.

Some people believe that only intelligent species possess spirits (or souls). But I personally believe that all living creatures do. Hauntings involving many different types of animals have been reported throughout the centuries and in just about every part of the world. But judging by the types of animals reported in ghost sightings, it appears to be far more common for the spirits of cats, dogs, and horses to haunt the areas where their deaths occurred or to attempt contact with the living.

Spectral sightings are a universal phenomenon and ghost stories of all types can be found in every culture throughout the world. However, Great Britain, with all of its ancient castles, graveyards, and battle sites, seems to rank as the most haunted place on earth. In her book, 500 British Ghosts and Hauntings, Sarah Hapgood says, “Great Britain has more ghosts per square mile than any other country in the world.” This fact, according to Hapgood, is a source of pride for many Britons.