Matagots

• Classification: Beast
• Appearance: Large, spectral, cat-like creatures resembling a hairless cat or black panther, with large, luminous, pale blue eyes. When provoked, they transform into a more monstrous form with saber-like fangs.
• Magical Abilities: Defensive multiplication, enhanced strength and aggression when threatened.
• Typical Environment: Employed as guardians and workers within secure magical establishments.
• Allegiance: French Ministry of Magic (Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France)

Matagots are magical spirit familiars that serve as guardians and laborers. In their docile state, they are large but relatively harmless, resembling oversized, slender black cats like a Sphinx or a small panther. They are used by the French Ministry of Magic for various tasks, including handling mail and providing security (screenplay). Their behaviour changes dramatically when they are provoked or attacked. A Matagot will transform, growing into a much larger and more fearsome beast with prominent fangs and a fearsome roar. Their primary and most dangerous characteristic is their ability to multiply when struck by a spell or attack, creating an exponentially growing pack of aggressive creatures that will swarm their target. They are relentless in pursuit of a threat within their designated territory but seem unable to leave the bounds of the location they are assigned to protect.

• Defensive Multiplication: The Matagot's most notable ability is its method of self-defense. When attacked, particularly by magical means, it instantly duplicates itself. This makes it exceptionally difficult to fight using conventional offensive spells, as each attack only increases the number of adversaries.
• Transformation: When threatened, a Matagot shifts from its relatively placid form into a highly aggressive, monstrous state. This physical change is accompanied by a significant increase in size, strength, and ferocity.

Matagots are featured prominently in the French Ministry of Magic during the events of The Crimes of Grindelwald (film). Newt Scamander and Tina Goldstein first encounter them working placidly in the Ministry's mailroom. Later, when seeking the Lestrange family records, Leta Lestrange creates a diversion that provokes the Matagot guardians. The creatures transform and multiply rapidly, relentlessly pursuing Newt, Tina, and Leta through the archives. The trio is only able to escape when Newt Scamander lures them towards his magical suitcase with a Zouwu toy. The Matagots chase them to the edge of the case but are magically unable to leave the Ministry to follow them inside.

The name “Matagot,” also known as “Mandragot,” originates from French and Provençal folklore. In these legends, a matagot is a spirit, often in the form of a black cat, that can bring wealth and good fortune to a person who captures it, provided it is well cared for (typically by being given the first bite and drink of every meal). While the wizarding world's Matagots are guardian spirits rather than wealth-bringers, their depiction as supernatural black cats is a direct link to this real-world mythology.

• Matagots do not appear in the original seven Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling. Their only canonical appearance to date is in the film The Crimes of Grindelwald and its corresponding published screenplay.
• The film's visual design for the Matagots appears to draw inspiration from the Sphinx cat breed, noted for its lack of fur and large eyes.