Crookshanks

[Hermione]

could Crookshanks be a kneazle? Kneazles are supposed to be able to detect unsavory characters, remember Crookshanks didn't like Scabbers who turned out to be Pettigrew. and he befriended Sirius when everyone thought he was after Harry. Kneazles are also supposed to be able to lead their owners back home when they are lost so maybe we'll see that happen in book 5. Kneazles can also become quit loyal to their owner in times of crisis. just think Crookshanks has done almost everything that kneazles do,and did i mention that kneazles can also interbreed with house cats so since knealze are supposed to big Crookshanks could be part-kneazle.:rasp:

[HogwartsChaplain]

Yes, I believe that in an interview, JKR said that Crookshanks is part kneazle.

[JenBluffheid]

Evelyn took the words right out of my fingers ;) .

[Hermione]

I wasn't sure if she had said it or not so I figured I post it anyway.

[HogwartsChaplain]

Here's a thought to chew on. I wrote this in the thread:
The nature of Lily's sacrifice - what really happened?

by HogwartsChaplain

Everyone assumes that Lily could not have practiced the ancient magic counter-charm and tested it because that would involve using the Avada Kedavra curse, which is unlawful. If she failed, her test would kill. That would be unethical, and Lily would not have risked another human life, even though it might save her son.

But what if Lily practiced her counter-charm on an animal? Not any animal would do for this "experiment"-- it would need to be a magical animal, and an animal that she loved, in order for the charm to have a similar effect to using it on a person, a toddler, her son. Many have theorized that Crookshanks may have been Lily's pet. As we know, Crookshanks is part kneazle, a magical member of the cat family. Lily may have taken Crookshanks as her pet when she entered Hogwarts, so she would have loved this furry friend who had been with her ten or more years. Perhaps Lily practiced the counter-charm on Crookshanks, and Crookshanks survived the test project.

Even with a successful trial, Lily still might be authentically panicky when confronted with Voldemort. Voldemort's Avada Kedavra curse would be more powerful than her own, but Lily's love for Harry also would be more powerful than her love for Crookshanks. Those differences may have been proportional, so that all worked to protect Harry.

If that happened to be the case, that would put Crookshanks in a very interesting role, and be a further reason why Crookshanks wanted to belong to Hermione, to be near Harry. But that's another theory....


Discussion?

[Hermione]

makes sense to me :wow:

[Knight]

How do you pronounce kneazle? Is the k silent? Does it go neez-el, neez-al, neez-ul, or does it sound like nasal?

[HogwartsChaplain]

I really don't know. I've always assumed that the k is pronounced, as it is with knuts. k(e)- nee- zul

Anyone else want to take a stab at it?

[Kneazle]

I pronounce it "nee-zul". A silent K, like knee. I think JK pronouced it like that in the audio interview in which she revealed it, but I'm not certain.

I wonder what kind of Kneazle interbreed Crookshanks is. Kneazles are described as small, catlike creatures-- Crookshanks is very large. I like to imagine him as half-tiger, but we have no information at all. . . thoughts?

[Alorra Spinnet]

Originally posted by Kneazle
I pronounce it "nee-zul". A silent K, like knee. I think JK pronouced it like that in the audio interview in which she revealed it, but I'm not certain.

I wonder what kind of Kneazle interbreed Crookshanks is. Kneazles are described as small, catlike creatures-- Crookshanks is very large. I like to imagine him as half-tiger, but we have no information at all. . . thoughts?

Well, the description given in the books sounds like a "peke-faced" (i.e squashed in) Persian. The flat face, thick fluffy fur, and bottle-brush tail.

[Ferrik]

Originally posted by Alorra Spinnet
Well, the description given in the books sounds like a "peke-faced" (i.e squashed in) Persian. The flat face, thick fluffy fur, and bottle-brush tail.

That's the way I always saw him too. He can't be that terribly large since he sits on Hermione and co on several occasions, so say maybe 20lbs. The long hair would make him look bigger though.

[cbjedi]

by HogwartsChaplain

Everyone assumes that Lily could not have practiced the ancient magic counter-charm and tested it because that would involve using the Avada Kedavra curse, which is unlawful. If she failed, her test would kill. That would be unethical, and Lily would not have risked another human life, even though it might save her son.

But what if Lily practiced her counter-charm on an animal? Not any animal would do for this "experiment"-- it would need to be a magical animal, and an animal that she loved, in order for the charm to have a similar effect to using it on a person, a toddler, her son. Many have theorized that Crookshanks may have been Lily's pet. As we know, Crookshanks is part kneazle, a magical member of the cat family. Lily may have taken Crookshanks as her pet when she entered Hogwarts, so she would have loved this furry friend who had been with her ten or more years. Perhaps Lily practiced the counter-charm on Crookshanks, and Crookshanks survived the test project.

Even with a successful trial, Lily still might be authentically panicky when confronted with Voldemort. Voldemort's Avada Kedavra curse would be more powerful than her own, but Lily's love for Harry also would be more powerful than her love for Crookshanks. Those differences may have been proportional, so that all worked to protect Harry.

If that happened to be the case, that would put Crookshanks in a very interesting role, and be a further reason why Crookshanks wanted to belong to Hermione, to be near Harry. But that's another theory....


I was always under the impression that in order for Lily's counter curse to work that she had to sacrifice herself. Since she can only sacrifice herself once there's no way she could have practiced it on Crookshanks. That's how I always understood it.

I dunno. That would make Crookshanks around 25 years old or so. We know that magical creatures do live longer than regular ones, keep in mind that Crookshanks is only half Kneazle. We know that human wizards live to be about what... 170 years old? That's about twice the regular life span. Cats live to be about 12 years old. If we can assume that Kneazles live about twice as long as a regular cat that would put Crookshanks near the end of his lifespan, if he were pure bread Kneazle and he's not; so if your theory is correct either way Crookshanks is very, very old. And when pets get old they get lethargic. And Crookshanks has never been described as lethargic (example, chasing scabbers about, chasing knomes about).

[HogwartsChaplain]

I've known cats who've lived a lot longer than 12 years. My best friend's cat lived about 18, and that didn't seem to be too unusual.

There are different theories as to what exactly Lily's "ancient magic" charm was and how it worked. One is what you've said, but LewsTherin has a different (good) theory about it; it's in the thread that my quote was from.

[Ferrik]

I have a cat right now that's going on 17. She's still pretty spry for her age.
Could Lily have used something else as the sacrifice for Crookshanks? The strength of the counterspell is could be dependent on the amount of sacrifice that goes into it, and sacrifice comes in many forms (besides ritual blood sacrifice and the like). Lily may have tested the counterspell on a weak version of the AK curse, knowing that it would take a much larger sacrifice to stop the kind of power Voldy could put out.

[Sirius Black]

Maybe magical cats just like wizards have a longer lifespan than normal people, so it could be possible for it to still be alive after many years.

[TheShadow]

I pronounce it Neez-ul. :yup:

[Sirius Black]

I pronounce it Ke nee zal, the ke and nee faster.

[Katze]

I pronounce it knee-zul (silent k).

Rowling stated the Crookshanks is part Kneazle, and I think we need to believe her.

Sirius said that Crookshanks was the smartest of his kind. Crookshanks also was able to snuff out Scabbers, though everyone thought he was just being a cat and hunting. He also spent a while in the pet store before anyone bought him (Hermione). I often wonder if this is that cat who tripped Ms. Figg.

And another note. Rowling makes it very clear and many interviews that Lily and James are dead. She also stated that we'll never see a live James or Lily. Keep in mind that Rowling lost her mother when she was in her twenties, and misses her a great deal. I seriously doubt Rowling would make such a big fuss about the loss of life in her books to come around and make it a big joke and have Lily turn up alive. She gave her life for Harry, and she is simply gone.

Here's a snippet from this interview (http://www.cbc.ca/programs/sites/hottype_rowlingcomplete.html) talking about Death and the evil's of taking a person's life, like V did with Lily and James.
E: Because it's hard to draw the line here, isn't it? Because someone could read your book and say 'well, there's murder…'

JK: People die, but do you care when they die? Do you absolutely have a sense of how evil it is to take another person's life? Yes, I think in my book you do. I think you do. I think you see that is a horrific thing. I have enormous respect for human life. I do not think that you would read either of the deaths in that book and think, yeah, well, he's gone, off we go. Not at all. I think it's very clear where my sympathies lie. And here we are dealing with someone, I'm dealing with a villain who does hold human life incredibly cheap. That's how it happens: one squeeze of the trigger. Gone. Forever. That's evil. It's a terrible, terrible thing but you're right, I know where I draw the line. Other people will draw the line in a different place and they will disagree with me.

[Siriusly_Addicted]

If Crookshanks had been Lily's cat, wouldn't Sirius have recognized him as such? After all, he was James' best friend. Surely Sirius would have known Lily's cat if it had been at school with them. Just look at Harry and Ron and Crookshanks.

[xicanti]

Originally posted by Sirius Black
Maybe magical cats just like wizards have a longer lifespan than normal people, so it could be possible for it to still be alive after many years.

I can see that happening. (By the way, can anyone give me a link or something for the whole wizards living 170 years thing? I hadn't heard that before).

I also see Siriusly_Addicted's point that Sirius would likely have recognized Crookshanks, though. But then, he DOES seem to hobnob with Crookshanks quite a bit in PoA... but I don't see why he would have avoided mentioning that he had been Lily's cat if this was the case.

Blah. It's all confusing.

(I say nee-zul, by the way).

[hpangel102]

Ya I remember J.K. saying that he was part kneazle, but I was thinking he might be an animagus, but he can't be both can he????

[Katze]

*bump*

[Machtyn]

Read the subject. I have nothing, but am wondering what you all think.

Well, ok. Here's what I am currently thinking. Crookshanks had a big part in book 4. However, that was largely hidden until the end. I'm thinking Hermione's cat will play a fairly sizeable role in the next few books. It will be just as important as Hedwig. Remember, Sirius has stated Crookshanks is the smartest cat he knows. (At least, I think he said something like that.)

[ambergirl]

I personally think Crookshanks won't have a huge role in the rest of the books. I don't know why. Maybe because I have never liked him. ;)

[DocHollidaywe]

Im not sure. It would seem that he wouldnt because he was quite important in book 3. However that was his introductory book. As you know JK likes us to get familar withsomething and then make it differnt in some way. Some examples are, Scabbers of course. Hagrid (we thought he was just an ordinary guy but he's half giant.)

[Hermione]

I don't know but, in Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them, it mentions that kneazles can lead their owner home when the are lost, and we know that Crookshanks is a kneazle. JK had to had a reason for adding that and then telling people what Crookshanks really was, thats just a bit too much of a kawenky-dink for me. So maybe he will be important in one of the next three books.

[Elangomatt]

I think he will be important later on for his kneazle properties. The leading the owner home will probably come into play at some point.

[Mickey]

Could be. Perhaps the trio go to this new world and get lost, then have to rely on Crookshanks to lead them home?

[lanifiel]

He's just a cat! :) I dont think he will have a big part to play :D

[Padfoot127]

sorry i had the same topic open!! i did do a search and nothing came up! i'm really sorry! but it is possible that mrs. norris is a kneazle, how she never gets lost and knows what's going on all the time.

[WhiteSlash]

I'll see if it's in the Magical Creatures book. It might be, or I can look in the library(Lexicon) but maybe I'll just read the books again! I'm a Hermionny!! Maybe mrs norris is too. Dunno.

[marrapessa]

Where did this "ancient magic charm" thing come from? did J.K. say something?

[marrapessa]

I thought all she said was that it was important about the eyes and that her wand was good for charms..... so is the "ancient magic charm" thing speculation or quoted from J.K. herself?

[nfh_aftran]

kneazle??? I have no idea what a kneazle is...but i think, based on your description, he probably his.

[WhiteSlash]

This is directly from 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them':

MOM classification:XXX

The Kneazle was orginally bred in Britain, though it is now exported worldwide. A small catlike creature with flecked, speckled, or spotted fur, outside ears and a tale like a loin's, the Kneazle is intelligent, independent, and occasionally aggressive, though if it takes a liking to a witch or wizard, it make an excellent pet. The Kneazle has an uncanny ability to detect unsavoury or suspicious characters and can be relied upon to guide its owner safely home if they are lost. Kneazles have up to eight kittens in a litter and can be interbreed with cats. Licences are required for ownership as (Like Crups and Fwoopers) Kneazles are sufficiently unusual in appearance to attract Muggle interest.

That's the whole thing. Long! If anything is misspelled, sorry. My figured might have gotten a little, you know, go different ways... There it is. I'm going to go find pernonciation now.

[FatalBeauty]

I think that's most likely true. "....can be relied upon to guide its owner safely home if they are lost" can apply to the part in PoA where Crookshanks led the way back to Hogwarts in the tunnel. And I pronounce it NEEZ-ul. :)

[Padfoot127]

don't you think that harry would have recognized crookshanks if he was priorly owned by mrs. figg? i mean, he must have seen every single cat she's ever owned, no matter if they were dead, she had photo albums of all her cats. harry would have remembered seeing an extremely large orangeish cat with a smushed face and lion-like bottlerush tail. i know i would. plus i think if he didn't remember, the thought would have stricken him because he's known crookshanks for two years now.
i dunno tho...

i'm sorry if this has already been mentioned in another thread, but i wasn't sure if i should put this in its own thread so...

[Virtuousdream]

like i've said before in others crookshanks related topics, I think he is a kneazle or part kneazle.

You are right, Harry could know, but i'm not sure if harry thinks about little things like that!

[Padfoot127]

i think that something should have at least clicked when harry heard "arabella figg" in book four. he should have said something like "o that sounds familiar" i duno i just think it should have rung a tiny bell...

[TheChaser]

I'm not sure if Harry would've recognized him or not, though... if you had to sit through hours and hours of looking at cats, you'd probably try to forget it. Besides, there were a lot of cats in that album.

Anyways, I don't think he belonged to Arabella Figg. In the Prisoner of Azkaban, the witch behind the counter said that Crookshanks had been behind there for ages and that no one wanted him. But who knows?

[Dedalus]

Why on earth would Crookshanks have belonged to Mrs. Figg, anyway? I mean, why ever did people believe that theory, when it wouldn't make a difference whether he did or didn't belong to her? :??:

[1MelissaPotter]

This maybe totally crazy idea, but maybe Crookshanks was the Potter's cat before Lily and James died. He recognized Scabbers as Peter, maybe because he knew him and saw him betray Lily and James. And he didn't trust Sirius because maybe he thought Sirius was bad too. After they died maybe someone found him and broight him to the pet shop.

[Virtuousdream]

Originally posted by Padfoot127
i think that something should have at least clicked when harry heard "arabella figg" in book four. he should have said something like "o that sounds familiar" i duno i just think it should have rung a tiny bell...

i dont think he's going to remember her name when he's just seen a student killed, escaped 10+ death eaters and voldie, been put under 2 illegal curses, seen his dead mother and father, just battled in the 3rd triwizard competition and helped voldie come back. A bit too much for him going on at that point for him to reconise a name!

at the potters cat theory, i like that suggestion!
it could work!

[Bixie]

"i dont think he's going to remember her name when he's just seen a student killed, escaped 10+ death eaters and voldie, been put under 2 illegal curses, seen his dead mother and father, just battled in the 3rd triwizard competition and helped voldie come back. A bit too much for him going on at that point for him to reconise a name!"

I think you've got a point there!

[fuzzi95]

When harry went home, sirius would have told figg what happened so figg would have contacted harry without him remebering her name. she may not contact him right away though or maybe he'll remeber and go see her himself.

[Iam Cedric Diggory]

Crookshanks might be Mrs. Figg. Think about it for a minute. I know it seems weird Crookshanks being a male, but seriously. He stuck by Sirius in PoA remember?

[Virtuousdream]

because he was a part kneazle and reconised the goodness in him!

[fuzzi95]

Crookshanks and Figg are NOT the same person!!!!!!!!!

[Virtuousdream]

woo hoo, someone else who knows jk wouldnt have a 6th animagi in the books!

[Padfoot127]

There is a very slim chance that JK would put another Animagus. She's already had a book on that!

[MadMagic]

If Crookshanks has to have a past somehow connected with Harry, then I like the idea of him formerly belonging to the Potters. Because he did stick by Sirius and he recognized Scabbars. But if he had belonged to the Potters wouldn't the Potters best friend, Sirius Black have recognized him and pointed it out that Crookshanks was the Potters cat.

[Padfoot127]

Good point, and that's exactly what i'm trying to point out. if he was part of Harry's past somehow, wouldn't someone recognize him somehow by now?

[EvilMeghan]

I think if Crookshanks previously belonged to the Potters, Sirius would have recognized him. And 13 years isnt ages...althought that might be ages for a cat to be in a pet store. But there is something telling me he wasn't the Potter's cat. Wouldn't the cat have been killed when their house blew up? (ok, maybe he ran away, but that would be getting rediculus!) I think a cat would recognize its former owners, no matter how much they have changed ot how long it has been.

[Virtuousdream]

i just think crookshanks is a kneazle, or part kneazle.
It all makes sense!

[MadMagic]

Excuse my stupidity, but what exactly is a kneazle and how does everyone know that Crookshanks is a kneazle?

[Virtuousdream]

it's in "magical Beasts and where to find them" that Rowling released for red nose day.

Here's the extract on Kneazle's...

kneazle:
M.O.M classification XXX (competent wizard should cope)

The Kneazle was orginally bred in Britain, although it is now exported worldwide. A small cat-like creature with flecked, speckled or spotted fur, outsize ears and a tail like a lions, the kneazle is intellegent, independant, and occasionally aggressive, though if it takes a liking to a witch or wizard, it makes an excellent pet. The kneazle has an uncanny ability to detect unsavoury or suspicious characters and can be relied upon to guide its owner safely home if they are lost. Kneazles have up to eight kittens in a litter and can interbreed with cats. Licences are required for ownership (like Crups and Fwoopers) Kneazles are sufficently unusual in appearence to attract muggle interest.

[Legolas]

A small cat-like creature with flecked, speckled, or spotted fur, outsize ears and a tail like a lion's, the Kneazle is intelligent, independent, and occasionally aggressive, though if it takes a liking to a witch or wizard, it makes an excellent pet. The Kneazle has an uncanny ability to detect unsavory or suspicious characters and can be relied upon to guide its owner safely home if they are lost. Kneazles have up to eight kittens in a litter and can interbreed with cats. Licences are required for ownership as Kneazles are sufficiently unusual in appearance to attract Muggle interest.

I think that is pretty much what Magical Beast and where to find them says but basically it is an cat that looks a bit different and is very intelligent and so wizards keep them as pets.

So the reason that everybody thinks Crookshanks is a Kneazle is that the physical description of Crookshanks in PoA seems that he looks like a regular cat so I suspect it is a cat-kneazle mix. The mental attributes is what attracted my attention. Crookshanks was always trying to get Scabbers, who we know is unsavory and crookshanks was pretty aggressive in the shrieking shack when it was trying to protect Sirius Black (whom Crookshanks took a liking to).

The thing that could come up in later books is the ability to lead its owner home and maybe the unsavory character thing again.

Hope that helps

[MadMagic]

Thanks Helhorns and Legolas :bigtu:

[Charmed]

Originally posted by 1MelissaPotter5
This maybe totally crazy idea, but maybe Crookshanks was the Potter's cat before Lily and James died. He recognized Scabbers as Peter, maybe because he knew him and saw him betray Lily and James. And he didn't trust Sirius because maybe he thought Sirius was bad too. After they died maybe someone found him and broight him to the pet shop.

Thats a pretty good theory. Do kneazle's live longer than normal cats though? The oldest cat I knew was 17.

[princess~of~lorien]

I really can't wait to know if crookshanks is an animagus or something, J.K. said that there would be a big revelation about Crookshanks in book 5, any opinions?

[Alastor D]

Hello Princess! Read some old threads. There is lots abt Crookshanks.

I believe him being a part kneazle, not animagus would win the poll.

[joelaughing]

When did J.K say there was going to be a big revelation?

[princess~of~lorien]

In "Fantastic Beasts" it says that you need a permit to own a kneazle, does that mean that you need a permit to own a half-kneazle? If you do, I don't think Hermione has one. If she did then she would surely have mentioned him being a kneazle. Also, does anyone have the link for the interview where J.K. said Crookshanks was a kneazle? thanx

[miri]

Well you need the license coz they look *sufficiently unusual to attract muggle attention* and Hermione (the book worm) or Ron (who may have seen one - or Wizarding baby-books "the kneazle goes *miaow*") would have recognised his kneazle-ish features if they were obvious. I reckon personality-wise, Crookshanks does sound kneazle-ish, so maybe he's an 1/4 or 1/8 kneazle and the result is he looks like a cat? If he sires kittens they might have lion tails! Oooh Arabella Figg should bring a cat or 2! I want a part-kneazle kitten!!!!!

[SnapesLittleSnitch]

I was thinking that Crookie was an animagus but you guys have kind of sqwashed that theory of mine. ( I was thinking he might be Harry's maternal grandfather.) If he is part kneazel then he'd be a wonderful pet for Hermione. Arggggg!!! I just want book 5 to fall directly in my lap so I can read it right now!!! The suspense is killing me!!!!!! *runs off into the living room with her hair clinched into her fists.*

~SLS

[HPviolinist85]

I think Crookshanks is a animagi because he helped get Sirius money from his Vault and helped purchase the broomstick. I think there has to be talking and interacting with the goblins/salespeople at the Quiddich store. I doubt that they would give a firebolt and all that money to a cat.

[miri]

That's speculation. As Crookshanks was with Hermione, I dont think he could have helped! Besides which, Sirius is capable of walking and talking ;)

In other threads, why his assets werent frozen etc have been debated, and I think it was concluded that Gringotts is neutral and doesnt get involved in wizarding affairs.

He's a kneazle!

[Alastor D]

Crookshanks brought Sirius' letter to the owl office, not to Gringotts or the broom store. This has been discussed at length already. It may be here in this thread or somewhere else. I don't remember.

[princess~of~lorien]

But how did Sirius get the Firebolt then? I thought Crookshanks bought it. But how exactly would a cat or even a kneazle (which doesn't have any speaking abilities that we know of) buy a broom? Or even send a letter?

[miri]

princess~of~lorien, I am under the impression that Sirius either walked in as Sirius and ordered it, or sent an owl with an order and some way of them to take the money out of his account (an order form...? after clearing it with Gringotts). He could even have walked in as Padfoot, with a bag of coins, a note explaining what was wanted and where it was to be sent, and a request for a receipt. I dont think anyone would try to rip off a Grim-lookylike!

[Alastor D]

Princess and miri! I'm sorry I don't remember exactly where this was sorted out. You may try a thread named More to Sirius and Vault 711....

Crookshanks took the letter to the owl office from where it was sent by owl to the broom shop. They collected the money and delivered the broom directly to Harry. No need for Sirius to get out of hiding.

[Pansy]

No one seems to have answered this... can a kneezul be an animagus? I definitely think Crookshanks is an animagus because JK uses such humanistic features when describing his actions. I think there is way more to the story of Crookshanks....

[Zahri Seb Melitor]

I'm sitting on the fence over the 'can animagi be magical creatures' debate, though I do not believe Crookshanks is an Animagi. They already have 5 in the books, the only other person who could get away with being one, in my opinion, is Dumbledore. The 'pet is really an animagi' is a plot device that has already been used! JK isn't that desparate as far as plots go.

Giving an animal or inanimate object human qualities is a technique called personification. JK uses personification to show how clever Crookshanks is and to show his kneazle qualities. (/rant)

You could say that I don't think Crookshanks is an animagi...

[Pansy]

Originally posted by Zahri Seb Melitor (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=230566#post230566))
They already have 5 in the books, the only other person who could get away with being one, in my opinion, is Dumbledore. The 'pet is really an animagi' is a plot device that has already been used! JK isn't that desparate as far as plots go.


Why does everyone only think the can be 6 animagi in the books?

True about alteady usng that plot line... but I think there is more to Crookshanks than just is animal magnetism.

[mrsweasley]

Speaking of animal magnetism...I think it's no coincidence that Hermione chose a red-haired, male cat who'd been there "for ages."
Who else is a red-haired male whose been around Hermione for ages?
Hmmm...now let me think. I think it's foreshadowing that Hermy and Ron will be together. I tend to agree that Crooky is part kneazle and not an animagi. He sure had Scabbers/Peter pegged.

(BTW, I think it's pretty pathetic that I call my cat Sammyshanks and say, "He's gorgeous, Isn't he?" He is...by the way.)

[Sirius83]

Last i checked, Crookshanks was introduced as being large and orange, often described as ginger, having a squashed face and bowed legs and seems to take a liking to Harry...just thought i'd note that, because the Weasley's hair is described as scarlet or flaming red i believe, most times just as red.

In any case, the entire animagus thing has been done to death, and we know Crooks is part kneazel.

[Zahri Seb Melitor]

Pansy, there were only 7 registered Animagi in the century, plus 4 unregistered that we know of. That is why people start getting a little frustrated everytime a pet/new character/Ron/Harry/Hermione is claimed to be an animagus or become an animagus. There are not that many of them!

[smartypants]

OK, hows this for a theory:
Crookshanks is a transformed human. Not an animagus, because they keep their self and memory when transformed, but a human somebodye else (from the dark side, obviously) transformed into a cat. JKR supposedly said that if you get transformed into an animal you really turn into that animal, and hence you would loose your sense of being human, and you would turn into a standard proper cat. But, couldn't a transformed human keep some of it's self, so that it would be smarter than an average cat, for example?

Now, how come Crookshanks is mad at Scabbers from the start? Well, Crookshanks could very well recognize him from back when Crookshanks was human!

Now the old theory of Crookshanks being Lily Potter doesn't work very well, because Lily is obviously dead, otherwise she wouldn't have come out of Whatshisnames wand. But what about Harrys grandparents? Where have they gone? Nobody has ever even mentioned them.

A bit of a longshot, I know, especially the grandparent part, but Crookshanks being a transformed humad (*** opposed to an animagus) is, well, also a longshot, but not quite as long. :)

[Alastor D]

Well, smartypants, there is, in "Beasts", a good enough explanation to C being mad at Scabbers and looking disapprovingly at Harry and Ron making their divination homework. He is a halfblood kneazle.

[smartypants]

Is it good enough? I remember Crookshanks being described as big, ginger and with an oddly squashed nose. But that doesn't really fit the descriptions of the quite slender and big-eared kneazles and kneazle-halfbloods.

And there is nothing in the kneazle description that says that the instantly dislike evil animagii. :)

[Alastor D]

Cross-bloods don't necessary look like something between their parents.
and what about the "uncanny ability to detect unsavoury or suspicious characters"? (unsavoury or suspicious is a description of our friend Wormtail as good as any).

But no offence here. I do respect everyones right to believe what they want to.

[Katze]

JKR has come out and said that Crookshanks is part Kneazle. I'm not sure there can be much of a discussion of whether he is or not - he is. The Harry Potter Goddess herself said this. hmmm.....

Originally posted by princess~of~lorien (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=201508#post201508))
I really can't wait to know if crookshanks is an animagus or something, J.K. said that there would be a big revelation about Crookshanks in book 5, any opinions?

I don't recall Rowling saying there'd be a revelation about Crookshanks. She did say there would be a revelaton about Lily though.

[hermiones mum]

If Crookshanks is special ...why was he in the pet shop so long. Are kneazles or part kneazles like wands and choose their owner. From being so practical why did hermione change her mind from a useful owl, to an unusual orange ball...what she bewitched?

[Sredni Vashtar]

Originally posted by Alorra Spinnet (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=26938#post26938))
Well, the description given in the books sounds like a "peke-faced" (i.e squashed in) Persian. The flat face, thick fluffy fur, and bottle-brush tail.


Crookshanks doesn't have to be all Persian/Kneazle. He could have some Forest Cat, Ragdoll, or Maine Coon in him, too. All of them are very large housecats, and all have long hair. In fact, we had a Maine Coon come into the hospital the other day who weighed an astonishing 30 pounds. That's a big cat!

I doubt he'd be part tiger, or Hermione would be unable to lift him. Even if a tiger was able to mate with something as small as a housecat, the offspring would likely still weigh several hundred pounds.


In "Fantastic Beasts" it says that you need a permit to own a kneazle, does that mean that you need a permit to own a half-kneazle? If you do, I don't think Hermione has one.

I don't know about the magic world, but in our world, it is not against the law to own hybrids without a license. That is why you see people who have wolf hybrids as pets. And I know of a person who is breeding African Jungle cats with Servals to produce "Isis Cats", which would be legal to own in this state without a license.

[smartypants]

Well, if JKR has said is is part Kneazle, then he is. ANybody have a reference? JKR is said to have said so many things... :)

Hermoine probably changed her mind becuase she felt sorry for Crookshanks never being sold, and maybe she really likes cats. :)

[Pansy]

Originally posted by Zahri Seb Melitor (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=231996#post231996))
Pansy, there were only 7 registered Animagi in the century, plus 4 unregistered that we know of. That is why people start getting a little frustrated everytime a pet/new character/Ron/Harry/Hermione is claimed to be an animagus or become an animagus. There are not that many of them!


True, but witches and wizards have a longer life span, so there could be more than we know about.

I like the idea of him being a human once... maybe he was cursed? Also, I never realized the forshadowing of a H/R romance... good one! :)

[Alorra Spinnet]

[quote]Originally posted by Sredni Vashtar (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=232300#post232300))
Crookshanks doesn't have to be all Persian/Kneazle. He could have some Forest Cat, Ragdoll, or Maine Coon in him, too. All of them are very large housecats, and all have long hair. In fact, we had a Maine Coon come into the hospital the other day who weighed an astonishing 30 pounds. That's a big cat!

Yes, Maine Coons can get quite large. I have a pure-bred female Maine Coon. The cat who portrayed Mrs. Norris is also a Maine Coon. The reason I believe Crookshanks to be part Persian is the squashed face. A breed characterisitic for Persians and Himalayans (which were originally Persian/Siamese and only come in the "point"colors).

[Perdita]

Originally posted by hermiones mum (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=232263#post232263))
If Crookshanks is special ...why was he in the pet shop so long. Are kneazles or part kneazles like wands and choose their owner. From being so practical why did hermione change her mind from a useful owl, to an unusual orange ball...what she bewitched?


I think that this is another case of Hermione revealing how much compassion she has for others who are less fortunate. It is another case of how Hermione can sometimes let her emotions override her practical judgement. And in this case, good thing she did!

Remember how she helped Neville to look for his toad in PS/SS? And later she tries to help the house-elfs gain independence?

I don't think she's bewitched or anything by Crookshanks, or anyone for that matter.

[Jessica]

[quote]Originally posted by smartypants (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=232035#post232035))
OK, hows this for a theory:
Crookshanks is a transformed human. Not an animagus, because they keep their self and memory when transformed, but a human somebodye else (from the dark side, obviously) transformed into a cat. JKR supposedly said that if you get transformed into an animal you really turn into that animal, and hence you would loose your sense of being human, and you would turn into a standard proper cat. But, couldn't a transformed human keep some of it's self, so that it would be smarter than an average cat, for example?







I've thought this about Mrs. Norris. Filch does seem overly attched to her and I doubt JKR would put in two Kneazles.

Who call their cat Mrs Norris anyway

[Barbara Kennedy]

Indeed, JKR has said that Crookshanks is part Kneazle, that is why he is so intelligent.

[Weatherby]

Peter was an animagi so it's unlikely another wizard hoodwinked one of the kids.

[Fidelius]

Everyone say's JK has said in an interview that Crookshanks is definatly half kneaxle but can somebody please tell us when/where?

Surely at least one of you who has seen this interview can remember when she did it.....that'd be a start!

[Alastor D]

Try this:
http://www.quick-quote-quill.org/

[Fidelius]

Thanks Alastor D.

I've searched that site and I couldn't find anywhere where JK said Crookshanks is DEFINATLY a kneazle.

Don't get me wrong, I agree that he probably is, but I don't like how almost everyone say's "It's definate, she said so!" but can't back up that claim and tell us when.

I think perhaps someone said she said so in an interview and everyone latched onto it assuming it must be true and assuming they have also read it somewhere but cannot remember where.






On that note though, if you can remember where she said it, please link to it and I'll happily eat my own hat.

[Fidelius]

The best I can come up with;


[Without giving away any plot details, can you tell us if we might expect to hear any more from Crookshanks in future Harry Potter books? He seems to be a very smart cat!] You're right. He is a very smart cat, and you will be hearing more from him

http://www.angelfire.com/magic/aberforthsgoat/archive/Sept99_BarnesNoble.htm



Is there something more to the cats appearing in the books than first meets the eye? (i.e. Mrs. Figg's cats, Crookshanks, Prof. McGonagall as a cat, etc.)
Ooooo, another good question. Let's see what I can tell you without giving anything away....erm....no, can't do it, sorry.

http://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter/author/transcript2.htm

That's all a search for crookshanks came up with.
A search for kneazle came up with nothing.

[Alastor D]

Originally posted by Fidelius (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=369325#post369325))

I think perhaps someone said she said so in an interview and everyone latched onto it assuming it must be true and assuming they have also read it somewhere but cannot remember where.

On that note though, if you can remember where she said it, please link to it and I'll happily eat my own hat.


I'm very sorry I can't give you a reason to eat your hat. You are probably right. I don't think she ever exactly confirmed it. My memory insists I have seen somewhere (but I can´t find it) that her answer to the direct question 'is Crookshanks part kneazle?' was something like 'well spotted!' However, as I can't find it, I must assume my memory is playing tricks with me.:D

[Fidelius]

Worst part is, I think I may have seen it too.
That's the worst thing about this sort of thing, if enough people say it's definitely true and confirmed then you assume it is, and because you've also checked this sort of thing too then you've seen it too.


But that hat sure looked tasty!

[Alastor D]

You are absolutely right. And another thing is, when you try to read an interview you had read 100 times you don't find ANYTHIHNG.
However, even if that memory were true, it's no proof. Just a clue among others.

[Jill]

In one of the HP books crookshanks is at the table with a wizard and it almost appears that Crookshanks is a wizard so if it is part kneazle then whats the other part.

Could we be looking at another part kneazle animagus wizard here because I don't think kneazles can talk to wizards can they. Crookshanks appear to talk to Sirius Black at a table. Can't remember which book though. It might explain why Crookshanks leaped onto Sirius to protect him from Harry in PoA.

If Crookshanks is an animagus, who is the wizard behind crookshanks?

[morgan le fay]

if he is half kneazle, it is my opinion that the other half is domestic cat. what makes u think that crookshanks can talk to wizards?? :huh:
could u perhaps find the passage for citation?

and im sorry, but i dont think crookshanks is an animagus. jkr isnt one to recycle ideas. shes original. ill be really disappointed if crookshanks turns out to be james or harry's long lost older brother or something like that. :grumble:

[fruitia pickleweed]

Other threads have noted the similarity in description between Crookshanks and Mundungus Fletcher, both having short bowlegs and rusty hair, but they can hardly be the same person because in the same chapter that JKR invited the comparison, she put them both in the same room in Grimmauld Place at the same time. ("Pulling our chain" or "taking the mickey" out of her readers?) Does Mundungus have a brother? :)

Driving me crazy: CROoKShANKS contains SNORKACKS. "Crumple-horned snorkacks" sounds like a garbled rendition of "Dumbledore Crookshanks." But does that signify anything?

[morgan le fay]

ehh, i dunno. i think "Dumbledore Crookshanks" is a bit of a stretch to me. if DD is an animagus, im going with the theory that hes a bumblebee/wasp.

id definitely like to know though where crookshanks was before hermione got him. when she discovers him in PoA, isnt he described as being grumpy looking? :lol:

[Liselle]

I came across something last night which I think is really intersting! I'm not sure if its been posted already so if it has been apologies!


In the philosophers Stone when Hagrid is bringing Harry to buy a pet, we know from the hogwarts letter that Harry can have a toad (old fashioned), an owl (which he ends up getting) or a cat which Hagrid immediatly discounts as CATS MAKE HIM SNEEZE. Shouldn't we expect Hagrid to sneeze when he comes into contact with Crookshanks????? Have we seen Hagrid sneeze when he comes into contact with Crookshanks?.....no we haven't

Crookshanks is not a cat

Liselle

[Dedalus]

I haven't been able to find any articles of J.K. Rowling confirming that Crookshanks is part-Kneazle, but I have found an article saying where it was said ...

This was an article from Mugglenet a while ago -

Crookshanks IS part-Kneazle!
Lost? Sure you are. That was a popular topic on the message boards.
J.K. Rowling had an interview with BBC Newsround over the weekend. She confirmed that Crookshanks is in fact part-Kneazle. You might be thinking "What on earth is a Kneazle?". A Kneazle was described in the Comic Relief book "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them" as:

The Kneazle was originally bred in Britain, though it is now exported worldwide. A small cat-like creature with flecked, speckled or spotted fur, outsize ears and a tail like a lion's, the Kneazle is intelligent, independent and occasionally agressive, though if it takes a liking to a witch or wizard, it makes an excellent pet. The Kneazle has an uncanny ability to detect unsavoury or suspicious characters and can be relied upon to guide its owner safely home if they are lost. Kneazles have up to eight kittens in a litter and can interbreed with cats. Licenses are required for ownership as (like Crups and Fwoopers) Kneazles are sufficiently unusual in appearance to attract Muggle interest.

However, BBC Newsround haven't got the article, so either it was never transcribed (it was on the telly) or the article was removed in time.

[Jill]

I haven't been able to find any articles of J.K. Rowling confirming that Crookshanks is part-Kneazle, but I have found an article saying where it was said ...

This was an article from Mugglenet a while ago -

Crookshanks IS part-Kneazle!
Lost? Sure you are. That was a popular topic on the message boards.
J.K. Rowling had an interview with BBC Newsround over the weekend. She confirmed that Crookshanks is in fact part-Kneazle. You might be thinking "What on earth is a Kneazle?". A Kneazle was described in the Comic Relief book "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them" as:

The Kneazle was originally bred in Britain, though it is now exported worldwide. A small cat-like creature with flecked, speckled or spotted fur, outsize ears and a tail like a lion's, the Kneazle is intelligent, independent and occasionally agressive, though if it takes a liking to a witch or wizard, it makes an excellent pet. The Kneazle has an uncanny ability to detect unsavoury or suspicious characters and can be relied upon to guide its owner safely home if they are lost. Kneazles have up to eight kittens in a litter and can interbreed with cats. Licenses are required for ownership as (like Crups and Fwoopers) Kneazles are sufficiently unusual in appearance to attract Muggle interest.

However, BBC Newsround haven't got the article, so either it was never transcribed (it was on the telly) or the article was removed in time.

That is very interesting indeed because if crookshanks is a Kneazle, then in PoA during the shrieking shack, crookshanks must have been doing one or both of these two things.

1) Crookshanks was protecting its true owner, Sirius Black and/or
2) Crookshanks saw something very bad about HP, the so called good HP.

Could this be a suggestion that Harry Potters character is going to get much more nasty in the future. As stated above, kneazles have an uncanny ability to detect unsavoury or suspicious characters. So, is this just because Harry Potter is angry at Sirius or is there something more sinister to the way this Kneazle is acting. Could Harry Potter be much more darker than we think?

I have a feeling Harry Potter is not the good teen we might have hoped for. Kneazles tend not to be wrong..

[dobby_rocks]

Hmmm well i have to doubt that Crookshanks was orgianl Siruis cat, if he was he would have most likely said something about it, but when he was talking to them he said Crookshanks was the smartsest of his kind he had ever seen, which to me means he had never know Crookshanks before.

However it would be intresting who is his orgianl owner was before Hermione got him, maybe he is Mundugus cat, i mean they have similarites and i have know of some people who do kinda of look like their pets

As far as how Crookshanks was able to speak to siruis, lets remeber that they communcate with each other when Siruis was in Dog fourm so maybe when someone turns into their animal counterparter they have ablitly to communicate with other animals. As far as why Crookshanks stuck up for Siruis in the shreking shack i dont think it had anything to do with Harry but the fact that Scabbers was not really a rat , something he picked up on when he first saw or smelled him, he knew Siruis was telling the truth.


As far as Hagrid when has he ever come in real contacnt with Herimones cat? I mean for the majority of the time Crookshanks is in Griffyndor common room or out rooming the grounds. Lets also not forget about Mrs. Norris i mean i dont recall Hagrid having an reaction the few times he has been by her

This could possbile just be something forgotten by JK , but who knows.

[Morgan LeFay]

Well, I prefer the second oportunity - I reckon that would be cool for JKR to write seven books, where the main character is becoming from really good person to really nasty one. Honestly, I would LOVE to see this change, especially when we see everything from Harry's point of view. It means JKR could write seven books and every one will be different from the other, because they will change with Harry. Cool ...:agree:

[Kaonashi]

That is very interesting indeed because if crookshanks is a Kneazle, then in PoA during the shrieking shack, crookshanks must have been doing one or both of these two things.

1) Crookshanks was protecting its true owner, Sirius Black and/or
2) Crookshanks saw something very bad about HP, the so called good HP.

Could this be a suggestion that Harry Potters character is going to get much more nasty in the future. As stated above, kneazles have an uncanny ability to detect unsavoury or suspicious characters. So, is this just because Harry Potter is angry at Sirius or is there something more sinister to the way this Kneazle is acting. Could Harry Potter be much more darker than we think?

I have a feeling Harry Potter is not the good teen we might have hoped for. Kneazles tend not to be wrong..

No, i think that Crookshanks knew that Sirius was innocent, and they were friends after a while. Sirius convinced Crookshanks that he was, in fact, not looking to harm anyone and wanted him to help brng him the REAL danger, which was Peter the rat. This couldn't have been too hard because Crookshanks knew what Peter was from the beginning and didn't like him. Peter never tried to communicate with Crookshanks, but Sirius did. There's no telling how much Sirius as Snuffles conveyed to Crookshanks, but I gather Crookshanks could tell that Sirius was telling him the truth. In fact, he went back and told Sirius that Crookshanks faked his death to get away, and was fond enough of him to take the order for the Firebolt to the Post Office for him.

[Alastor D]

However, BBC Newsround haven't got the article, so either it was never transcribed (it was on the telly) or the article was removed in time.

It seems to me that something really has been removed. And Fidelius earlier told us that nothing was found elsewhere. And with all respect for mugglenet, their article is second hand information. There may be some interpreting involved.
Maybe there really isn't more than circumstantial evidence. And, as we know, JKR is a master of red herrings........... :)

[Liselle]

Its possible that Harry will turn out to be darker than we think, for two main reasons (According to me !)

*Tom Riddle...the name seemed familiar to Harry, like Tom had been a friend that Harry had when he was very small

*Tom Riddle says that Voldemort is his past present and future.

connecting the two of these I wonder does it point to Harry being Voldemort or Tom riddle is some weird way (a bit like mini me)......

these coupled with the fact that Harry is a parseltongue, apparantly the sign of a really dark wizard.....course you can argue any point to back up a theory! Just thought I'd mention that bit about Hagrid apparatly being allergic to cats!

Liselle

[lthpheonix]

does anyone kno how to change my profile????? :banghead: i cant do it

[Liselle]

randomly, if Crookshanks was a male cat then how how can he go into the girls dorm? Would Scabbers have been able to do so as well? Maybe its just a plot hole...

Liselle

[rotsiepots]

I'm sure it's just males of the two-legged variety that aren't allowed in the girls' dorms. There's probably a spell to block male students, as opposed to all things XY.

It would be absurd to block people's pets from entering their dorms.

[Liselle]

thats true, I was thinking more along the lines of Scabbers though but I suppose why would he want to go into the girls dorm when presumably it was Harry and Ron he wanted to watch.

[chochang2021]

I haven't read through the entire posts, but can Crookshanks be an Animagus, too? She is so human, I think. :D

[jasper]

could Crookshanks be a kneazle? Kneazles are supposed to be able to detect unsavory characters, remember Crookshanks didn't like Scabbers who turned out to be Pettigrew. and he befriended Sirius when everyone thought he was after Harry. Kneazles are also supposed to be able to lead their owners back home when they are lost so maybe we'll see that happen in book 5. Kneazles can also become quit loyal to their owner in times of crisis. just think Crookshanks has done almost everything that kneazles do,and did i mention that kneazles can also interbreed with house cats so since knealze are supposed to big Crookshanks could be part-kneazle.:rasp:

And Crookshanks doesn't make Hagrid sneeze because he isn't all cat.

At least part cat makes him not an animagi, right?

[hesdead-dealwithit]

Probably not an animagus, no. Potentially, he could have been an animgus gone wrong somehow. . .?

[jasper]

I like that idea as it would explain why kneazles can spot an animagus, that is something Liselle quoted in a thread in the Divinations forum. I think it was something to do with Crookshanks and Sirius Black if I remember correctly. Crookshanks also spotted Pettigrew as Scabbers so kneazles are handy to have around when you think a wizard is an animagus.

What I do not understand is why Crookshanks did not inform Hermione about Sirius being nearby. You would think that if Crookshanks were loyal to Hermione he would have told her about Sirius Black.

Crookshanks may be a lot cat and only a little kneazle. He's been pretty cat-like of late- not much more interesting than Pig and Hedwig in OotP.

[Hedwiggie]

Crookshanks has been confirmed by JKR as being a kneazle. But why has Hermione not realised and confirmed herself what her cat is?

[Perdita]

Hedwiggie,

that's a great question. Why has Hermione not found out that Crookshanks is part-Kneazle? You would think that Hermione would have researched it. To have her reveal this in the books would be in-character.

Then again, maybe JKR hasn't written this in because it wouldn't have any significance to the plots of GOF and OOTP. So far, Crookshanks has not had much action in these two books.

[Liselle]

Chances are at this point maybe she does know but its like Harry getting the marauders map back, there's not always a need to be explicit with every single thing that happens. I think that the fact that Crookshanks is part kneazle has served its purpose by recognising Scabbers.

[Bee]

In an interview (sorry, can't remember which), JKR said "Crookshanks is NOT all cat... read Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"... so I'm under the impression that he is part Kneazle.

I think that Crookshanks will assists the Trio in some way in books 6 and 7... he can detect untrustworthy people and things, isn't that handy? I'd like to see Hermione intriduce Crookshanks to Professor Snape... then maybe we'll get an indication of where his REAL loyalties lie!

[Hedwiggie]

Perdita - aye, good points.

It just struck me, cos in OotP the replacement Care of Magical Creatures teacher (can't remember her name and my book is at uni!) tells Umbridge what she is going to teach, and kneazles are in her list, and I thought "Yay! Hermione is finally going to state what her cat is!" But then that chance never came, cos when Hagrid came back he didn't seem to cover kneazles with the class. Why? Not like JKR to mention something for no reason if you get me.

[Pegasus]

he can detect untrustworthy people and things, isn't that handy? I'd like to see Hermione intriduce Crookshanks to Professor Snape... then maybe we'll get an indication of where his REAL loyalties lie!
Crookshanks was with Hermione all last summer, and Snape was in and out with the Order. Crookshanks was also there at the Shrieking Shack. I think Dumbledore's complete trust all these years, and Snape's continually showing us he's on the good side, is the best indication of where his REAL loyalties lie.

[Liselle]

:lol: this all makes crookshanks sound like a sneakoscope

[Liselle]

Well at least we have confirmation from JK Rowling herself that Crookshanks isn't 100% cat :)

[Revolution]

When did she say that?

Cool! I thought Crookshanks was 100% cat, but now it's turned out he isn't. Now I really want to find out what he actually is...

[Fuchsia]

He's part Kneazle. It's in the fantastic beasts book she wrote for charity. I only bought it a couple of days ago myself.

[Scaedu]

I actually thought at one point that Crookshanks might be an animagus. But it looks like you all have better theories. :)

[SquibOnline]

Yup part kneezle - JKR said

[crookshanks1177]

I actually thought at one point that Crookshanks might be an animagus. But it looks like you all have better theories. :)

Yea JKR said denounced Crookshanks being an animagus a long time ago then came back shortly after making references to that book she wrote for charity that had to do with the kneazles. She said if you read that you may be able to figure out what Crookshanks is. I don't remember where I read that.

[rjade829]

Crookshanks isn't an animagus, and he's part Kneazle. He can detect untrustworthy people. JKR said he's a very smart cat and we would be seeing more of him, she didn't say how big of a role he'd play though. I don't know if he'd play a big role though, he already played a big part in POA by chasing Scabbers around (hinting that Scabbers was untrustworthy). Maybe he'll act suspicious around a traitor again.

I like Crookshanks :) I'm a big fan of cats. And I like how Crookshanks is always seeking attention from Harry, purring, rubbing against him, etc. With his special Kneazle sense, Crookshanks sure knows who's the right guy for his owner ;)

[crookshanks1177]

Some reason I do think Crookshanks will play an important role later in the books. Atleast I think he will help out with something big.