The MacPherson Crest has been shown in a number of ways over time.  The original crest recorded in the Lyon Register in 1672 describes the Crest as "a Cat sejant proper," that is a cat sitting with all four paws on the
ground.  The chiefs of the Clan however have never displayed the cat in
that position but seems to have always shown the cat sitting, full face or looking toward the viewer, with both forepaws raised in the air in rampant
position. As of August 1984 the Crest is shown as a compromise between the traditional interpretation and the actual blazon, in that the cat is now
officially recognized by the Lord Lyon as sejant with the sinister (left) paw
extended horizontally.