Black cats – Facts, Myths, Superstitions and Tales
Think of black cats and for many, Halloween springs to mind. Witches on their broomsticks, cauldrons bubbling with potions and spells and magic filling the air. These Halloween scenes are very often accompanied with a black cat! This may be why some people are wary of black cats and their associated myths and superstitions. For a long while, some people would actually refuse to home a black cat for these reasons. But to us here at littlemisscat.com, black cats are equally adorable and are just as cute. We decided that black cats were worthy of a whole article dedicated to learning all about them all year round!
8 black cat facts
1. Black cats can change colour
The effect of the sun can indeed alter the black colour of your cat. The pigmentation responsible for the black colour can break down in strong sunlight causing the colour of the fur to fade to a brown or rust like colour. This can happen more often, and more quickly, as cats get older.
2. October the 27th is Black Cat Day
This day was launched by the Cats Protection in 2011 to celebrate and embrace the beauty and charisma of black cats. Statistics then showed that it took longer for black cats to find homes than other cat colours. This day was created to promote and celebrate black cats and to show that there was no need to differentiate them from any other cat colours. Thankfully, this trend has now changed, and black cats are finding new homes at the same rate as other breeds and colours.
Similarly, on the 17th August the ASPCA also celebrate a Black Cat Appreciation day every year.
3. There are 22 breeds of cat which can be black
A black cat is simply the colour of the cat and doesn’t refer to a particular breed. There are 22 breeds of cat that can have solid black coloring. Some of the most popular breeds include Maine Coons, Persians, Japanese Bobtail and British Shorthairs.
4. There is only one all-black cat
The Bombay cat is the only breed of cat that is always black. This breed was developed in the USA in the 1950’s by a lady called Nikki Horner, by crossing a black American Shorthair with a Sable Burmese. The aim was to develop a domestic cat that resembled a panther!
5. Black cats with yellow eyes
Black cats often have yellow, or amber coloured eyes. The same pigment in their black fur also makes the eyes a very yellow colour.
6. Black cats may be more healthy
Due to genetic mutation, cats with black fur may be more protected from certain diseases. Scientists are continuing to study this as it is believed this could lead to answers in curing human diseases.
7. More male black cats than female
Although there doesn’t seem to be a scientific reason for this fact, statistics show that there are many more male black cats than female.
8. Black cat café
The popularity of cat cafes is increasing and there are several such cafes popping up in many towns and cities. But in Nekobiyaka, in Japan, there is a cat café purely devoted to black kitties! There is a dash of colour though – in their individual coloured bandanas!
Black cat Superstitions
Superstition that black cats are bad luck
In some countries black cats are associated with bad luck and even death. Back in medieval times, birds or animals with black feathers or fur were deemed to be a sign that a death was imminent. Cats, crows and ravens were particularly feared. A black cat approaching and laying down on the bed of a poorly person was believed to be a sign that death was imminent.
Pirates, in the 18the century, believed that if a black cat walked on board a ship but then walked off, this was a sign of bad luck for the ship.
Moving along the centuries and still today, several countries still believe that a black cat will bring bad luck. These beliefs include:
- If a black cat crosses you path, bad luck will come to you, but a white cat will bring good luck.
- A black cat walking away from you can mean there is trouble ahead.
- A black cat appearing in a funeral is believed to signify that another member of the same family will also die soon.
Superstition that black cats are good luck
Just as some cultures believe that black cats are a sign of bad luck, others truly believe that black cats bring good luck! A black cat crossing your path is seemed to be a sign of good luck for us living in Wales. There is an old Welsh rhyme dating back to 1896 all about a black cat bringing good health. The rhyme goes like this:
Cath ddu, mi glywais dd’wedyd,
A fedr swyno hefyd,
A chadw’r teulu lle mae’n byw
O afael pob rhyw glefyd.
It roughly translates as follows:
Black cat, I’ve heard it said
Can charm also
And keep the family where she lives
From the grasps of all illnesses.
Other countries and cultures who share this belief include:
- Japan – a black cat is a sign of becoming lucky in love.
- Asia – owning a black cat will bring good luck.
- France – a magical encounter is imminent when a black cat appears.
- Scotland – riches and fortunes are coming your way if a black cat shows up in your doorway.
- UK – owing a black cat will bring luck to your life. In England, a wedding gift of a black cat is believed to bring the bride good luck.
- Europe – sailors of past times always believed that a black cat onboard the ship would bring a safe journey to the crew as well as keeping mice and rats under control. Wives of fishermen out at sea would also believe that having a black cat by their side would ensure the safe return of their husbands.
- Ancient Egypt – even the ancient Egyptians believed black cats brought good luck. This derived from the belief that the Egyptian goddess, Bastet, a cat headed goddess, would bring luck, fertility, and good health.
Superstition that black cats are witches
The association of black cats and witches has been around for centuries. It is believed to have started in the Middle Ages when someone saw a black cat running into a house which was believed to be occupied by a witch! Beliefs developed to include that black cats were associated with black magic and that black cats were actually witches in another form. During the 13th century through to the 17th century, particularly in Europe, black cats were killed due to this association with witches. With so many historical tales of black cats and witches it is no surprise then of their appearance in Halloween decorations and scenes.
Black cat Tales
Tomasson – the lucky black cat
An abandoned black cat in Rome was rescued by a lady called Maria Assunta. She named the cat Tommaso. Maria adored this black rescue cat so much she left 10 million euros in her will to him. He was one very rich, very lucky black cat!
Salem – the TV superstar
The popular tv show ‘Sabrina the teenage witch’ included a black cat called Salem. He was a key part of the show – and as popular as Sabrina herself!
Pepper – the first cat on film
Back in 1912, a black Maltese cat lived under the floor of Keystone Studios. Making an appearance mid filming a scene was the beginning of cats appearing in films!
Tiddles – the Royal Navy cat
Tiddles was a black cat who travelled more then 30,000 on board Royal Navy Aircraft carrier ships. He was born on the HMS Argus, then travelled on the HMS Victorious. His favourite thing was playing with the capstan’s bell-rope.
Gladstone – the HM treasury cat
The Chief Mouser at HM Treasury Westminster, London is Gladstone. He was adopted in 2016 from the Battersea Dogs and Cats home in London. The UK Government have adopted several cats from here over the years.
Black cat Myths
Black cats are adopted less frequently
Although this may have been the case in some areas in the past, according to the American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), data is now showing that black cats aren’t adopted less often than other cat breeds and colours.
Black cats are difficult to photograph
Maybe before the days of hi-tech sophisticated cameras and mobile phones, photographing black cats may have proven a little trickier. But simple backgrounds, keeping out of bright sunlight, some touching up here and there and your black cat can be as Instagram ready as any other cat.
Books to celebrate black cats
Here are just a few of our favorite finds of books dedicated to black cats:
Our first find is ‘Black Cats Tell All’ by Layla Morgan Wilde which includes true black cat tales. Included are beautiful photographs, tales of black cat stardom and quirky stories.
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Other articles you may find of interest:
Are cats loyal? Tales of loyal cats
Why do cats have whiskers? And fun facts about cat’s whiskers!
