- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Angus Alexander Cattanach
Ottawa, Ontario
Registration of Arms
October 20, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 212
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Blazon
Arms
Or a lymphad sail furled Azure flagged and between in chief two cross-crosslets fitché, overall a fess Gules charged with a sword proper hilted, pommelled and surmounted by a garb Or;
Crest
A demi-wildcat proper holding a balance Or;
Motto
TOUCH NOT;
Symbolism
Arms
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The blue ship on a yellow background is taken from the arms of the Chief of the Clan Chattan, a confederacy of which the Clan Cattanach is a member. The sword likely alludes to Mr. Cattanach’s military service during the Second World War, while the garb indicates his origins in the Canadian Prairies.
Crest
A wildcat is frequently found in crests of members of the Clan Chattan, as the name derives from catan, meaning “little cat” in Scots Gaelic. The balance represent Mr. Cattanach’s position as a judge of the Exchequer Court of Canada.
Motto
This expression is a variation of the motto of the Chief of the Clan Chattan, “Touch not the cat but a glove.” The word “glove” refers to the soft parts of the paw of the cat. When it assumes a war-like stance, the paw becomes spread or “ungloved,” revealing the dangerous claws. It is a warning to those who engage in battle with the clan.