[Buddha-l] New Buddhist Topic--Buddhism and Cats

[Katherine Masis]

This is a genuine topic I have wanted to pursue.  Apologies if it has already been discussed, just refer me to the year and I'll look for the thread.
 
Several years ago, I heard that "the only animal that was not invited to the Buddha's Parinirvana was the cat."  This statement was accompanied by all the usual stereotypes about cats: they're mean, treacherous, etc., which is why they were excluded from the guest list.  Where in the world did that statement come from?  And who wrote out the invitations?
 
Katherine Masis
P.S.  I live with 3 lovely, sweet cats: Selma, Estrella and Vicente.