So...What's in a Name?
We all know that public house names can be somewhat mysterious as to their meaning. Here's one for you.
Back in the late 1890s there was a tavern - also termed a dining tavern - at No. 17 Newgate Street in London, called the "Salutation and Cat." It had been long tended to the landlord, a certain Mr. Thomas. Many thought that the meaning of this title had to do with saying hello to a mate and then something to do with a cat. Most, however, could not fathom the connection between the two. A hint could be found hanging in a frame on the wall of the tavern.
This painting in question depicted a gentleman of the era saluting a friend he met on the street. Part of the greeting included this gentleman offering his friend a pinch of snuff out of a snuff box that was part of the top of his cane. These "box knobs" on a cane were also known as "cats," although it must be said that why these box knobs were called cats has been obscured by time.
Anyway, by the turn of the century the Salutation and Cat was simply referred to as the Salutation Tavern - no mention of a cat.
Source: Old London Taverns, by E Callow - 1899.