‘BOO!’ 17 Iconic Frames of Salem the Cat to Get You in the Mood for Spooky Season

Olivia Arocena • Writer and Editor

Oct 20, 2026 11:45 AM EDT

An ode to our beloved campy, glamorous, loyal, and sarcastic Salem Saberhagen

I've always suspected cats are way more intelligent than humans give them credit for. What if witches intuitively knew that, and that's why they had black cats as familiars?

For centuries, black cats have been associated with witches, magic, and the supernatural. I believe the negative associations around them are mostly based on prejudice about women and fear of their intuitive (and rather scary for men) interpersonal and maternal knowledge.

I used to live with a cat who was just like Salem, and often, through his tired and seemingly condescending gazes, I could feel he understood what I was saying or feeling more than we'd like to admit.

I would come home exhausted or sad about something, and she would look at me with very serious eyes that seemed to say: "I know what you're going through, but this too shall pass; trust me, I'm an ancient creature", lol.

I want to relieve black cats of their bad reputation, because they have brought nothing but good into my life. Whether it's Salem Saberhagen, my favorite character from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, or Filomena, my beloved 15-year-old pet, they have brought me nothing but joy.

I love Salem because he gets to say everything he wants and be as sarcastic and moody as he pleases, without losing the allure that being a black cat gives him. That's exactly how I think Filomena would act if she could speak, write, or use the phone.

I promise, one Halloween eve I'm going to make it and get Filomena to speak for the first time, or I will catch her off guard talking to someone. I can tell she understands more than I know.

Cats are sophisticated- that's the word. That's why they historically were misunderstood or thought to be magical. They follow routines, they move very delicately, take their time to do anything, and they seem to scrutinise you when they stare. There is nothing better than having such an intelligent familiar by your side.

People say cats are ungrateful or don't show appreciation; I don't believe that to be true. And I know nobody who has ever owned cats who can tell you otherwise. It's just that you have to understand them; they are cautious and slow, and will look for you if you show you're relaxed and open for them to come to you, without pressuring them to do so.

Sometimes my cat accompanied me by sleeping in my bed right next to me while I worked at my desk. I used to turn off the music, just so she wasn't shaken by the sound.

Those silent hours of subtle companionship filled my heart with such love; it was a love much greater than I ever felt from any dog jumping on top of me, constantly licking my face, and not letting me breathe or do anything else.

So if you are looking to prove yourself as a witch this Halloween, I suggest you get a black cat; it will be the best decision you'll ever make.

Meanwhile, you can see these Salem stills for inspiration.