No, Crookshanks was not Lily Potter's cat. Crookshanks was Hermione Granger's pet cat, whom she purchased from the Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley.
Who is Crookshanks?
Crookshanks is a distinctive cat known for his ginger fur, squashed face, and unusual intelligence. He is a half-Kneazle, a magical feline creature renowned for its cleverness, independence, and ability to detect suspicious individuals. Hermione Granger acquired Crookshanks in her third year at Hogwarts, as detailed in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
The Popular Theory vs. Canonical Fact
While Crookshanks is canonically established as Hermione's cat, there is a popular fan theory suggesting a past connection to the Potter family. This theory posits that Crookshanks might have belonged to Lily Potter or the Potters prior to their demise, and somehow found his way to the Magical Menagerie where Hermione later bought him.
Key Points of the Popular Theory:
- Crookshanks' Intelligence and Suspicion: His immediate distrust of Peter Pettigrew (Scabbers) and his strong bond with Sirius Black (Padfoot) fuel the theory. Proponents believe his actions stem from a prior knowledge of Pettigrew's betrayal of James and Lily Potter.
- Half-Kneazle Nature: His unique species contributes to his enhanced perception and loyalty, making him a plausible guardian or companion for a family like the Potters.
- No Prior Owner Mentioned: The books do not specify Crookshanks' history before Hermione bought him, leaving room for speculation.
Why the Theory is Not Canon:
Despite its popularity among fans, there is no official confirmation or evidence in J.K. Rowling's books or supplementary materials that Crookshanks ever belonged to Lily Potter or the Potter family. His acquisition by Hermione from the Magical Menagerie is the only established origin story for the character.
Crookshanks' Known Ownership
To clarify the distinct ownership, here's a comparison:
| Feature | Canonical Information (Hermione's Pet) | Popular Fan Theory (Potters' Former Pet) |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Hermione Granger | Lily Potter (formerly), then Hermione Granger |
| Acquisition | Purchased from the Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley | Unknown (presumably abandoned/rescued after Potters' death) |
| Timeframe | From Harry's third year onwards (1993) | Prior to October 31, 1981, and then until 1993 |
| Species | Half-Kneazle | Half-Kneazle |
| Narrative Role | Aids Sirius Black, exposes Peter Pettigrew as an Animagus | His deep knowledge of Pettigrew stems from a shared past with the Potters |
In conclusion, while the theory about Crookshanks being Lily Potter's cat is an intriguing concept that highlights his unique abilities and mysterious past, it remains a fan speculation rather than a confirmed part of the Harry Potter canon. Hermione Granger is canonically Crookshanks' sole owner.
