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What is your cat question in reference to? In Japanese (I think it might originate from Chinese belief) cats are thought to have a close connection to sprirts. I recall a friend telling me about on Japanese ships they would often have a cat on board. I forget the exact reason, but I think they would help to ward off misfortune. But the connection with spirits wasn't always good, I think there's bad cat spirit stories too. Or is your question in reference to nekomimi, in which case I think it's just a cute thing that grew out of bunny girls.
The yukata/kimono thing is tradition. Since festivals/matsuri are very traditional Japanese events, it's an occasion that is very fitting for very traditional Japanese clothes. You'll still find a lot of people wearing more casual yukata in onsen areas when they're visiting the onsen too.
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