How to Keep Your Cat, c. 1470

Cat Churning Butter, 14th c.
Yale, Beinecke MS 404, f. 148r

If you have a good cat and you don’t want to lose it, you must rub its nose and four legs with butter for three days, and it will never leave the house.

The Distaff Gospels (trans. Madeleine Jeay & Kathleen Garay)

This trick will certainly prevent your cat from running away. It’s less clear whether the cat will stick around because of adoration or poor traction.