‘Touch Not the Cat Without a Glove’ is the motto of Clan Chattan, a Highland clan which is quite different from other clans in that it is made up of a number of different clans including the MacPhersons. The motto serves as a warning that one should beware when the wildcat’s claws are ‘without a glove’, and is a reference to the historically violent nature of the clan. Clan MacGowan (or Gow) is a sept of Clan MacPherson. In the context of Scottish clans, septs are families that followed another family’s chief. These smaller septs would then comprise, and be part of, the chief’s larger clan.

You can find out more (including tartans and clan history) about all clans mentioned above over at our website ScotClans.com:
Clan MacDonald – http://www.scotclans.com/scottish_clans/clan_macdonald/
Clan Chattan – http://www.scotclans.com/scottish_clans/clan_chattan/
Clan MacPherson – http://www.scotclans.com/scottish_clans/clans/macpherson/
Clan Gow/MacGowan – http://www.scotclans.com/scottish_clans/clan_gow/

Happiest Holidays to you all!

I can’t seem to find my tartan or clan information
listed anywhere. I have a crest that was given to me
that says Macdonald “Peer mare per terras” and another
crest that has “touch not the cat without a glove”.
Can’t find MacGowan. Help!

Thanks, Craig MacGowan