Salem Saberhagen: A 'Cat' Like no Other
An attempt of taking over the world can have some dire consequences. It is something that would already be harshly criticized by mere mortals. Yet the witch community, has an entirely own way of dealing with such issues. Considering how many over the top characters this specific group of people has, it wouldn't surprise anyone that taking over the world can most likely be found on a good portion of their bucket lists.
Who is Salem Saberhagen?
For many, the name Salem might bring back two very different memories. The most common might be that of the cat familiar of Sabrina Spellman in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. For others however, it may look something a little more like the warlock who has been turned into a cat as a punishment. Unlike the familiar Salem, this particular version of him isn't just capable of human speech. He's also highly adept in sarcasm, sass and of course, cattitude.
Salem's History
Once a warlock, it is widely known that Salem Saberhagen got turned into a cat as punishment by the Witches Council. At the point this happens, he is about five-hundred years old and has just failed in his attempt to take over the world. Of course, he never attempted to do this alone as he had many followers by his side. One of these being none other than Hilda Spellman who was a part of the refreshments committee. Due to this, she was charged with taking care of him in his cat form for the next hundred years as a punishment for enabling him in his aspirations. Hilda wasn't the only one involved however. Those that were leaders in Salem's revolution, too ended up turned into animals as punishment.
The Saberhagen Family
Needless to say, his escapades and eventual punishment, hasn't left Salem's family untouched. His daughter, Annabelle, is nothing short of ashamed of her father having been turned into a cat. Yet, allows him to show up to her wedding. Meanwhile, Salem's mother who is the most critical person in his life, easily melts at just how adorable he is as a cat and his misdoings are quickly forgiven. Besides a father and grandfather who are both most likely no longer alive, the Saberhagen family also consists out of his grandmother and uncles Morty and Goliath.
The Star of the Show
While it was fully intended for Sabrina to be the face of the sitcom, that didn't entirely go as planned. Salem Saberhagen easily surpassed her in popularity for many with his never-ending wit and well placed puns. He might not have dropped his ambition of world domination and is still seen plotting to become famous and wealthy. That all just ends up adding to his appeal. Especially as Salem, despite the bad advise he gives to the teenage witch, clearly cares for her all the same. His love for food and imposing on Sabrina's privacy by reading her diary, as well as his constant commentary on just about anything the Spellmans do (or don't do), adds a whole extra layer of humor to the show.
Famous Salem Quotes
Now that you've made it all the way here, we can't let you off the hook without some more amazing Salem Saberhagen content, can we? Of course there's the countless of gifs to give you an idea of this cat's best moments, but there's far more that you should be privvy to. So here's our top ten favorites!
1. Quoth the raven - 'Bite me!'
2. When I'm happy, I eat! When I'm upset, I eat!
3. Would you be terribly upset if I threw up in one of your shoes?
4. Dogs guard. Cats watch... and judge.
5. It's a beautiful way for me to tell me - 'I love me!'
6. You listening, witch?
7. And your face is a bit of a train wreck too.
8. I urge you to accept me as your ruler.
9. And let's give a big warm welcome to sadness.
10. I dreamt I was out of food.
Animal Rights
Due to the creators of Sabrina the Teenage Witch their support of animal rights, Salem Saberhagen was rarely portrayed by an actual cat. Instead, two animatronic puppets were used in any and all of the dialogue scenes. These were controlled by a total of three puppeteers through the use of cables, radio and rods. Originally, puppets made by the Animal Makers were used. After 1998 these were replaced by puppets made by the Chiodo Brothers.
As for the remaining footage, four different black cats were used. These were specifically trained for showbusiness and went by the names of Witch, Salem, Lucy and Elvis.