There’s something about black cats. The moment you meet those eyes staring back up at you, something shifts. I’ve grown up with cats my entire life, and I’ve never met a black cat I didn’t love. Point blank.
I take black cat appreciation seriously. If you’re scoffing and thinking this is cute or some joke internet trend, please keep reading. Those sleek, gorgeous souls have been mistreated and subjected to unfair stereotypes for WAY too long.
They spend more time languishing in shelters than other cats, get overlooked at adoption events, and have unfairly carried the burden of human superstition and misinformation for centuries. Let’s chat about why it’s time we give black cats the recognition they deserve.
The Stigma Started Way Back When
Looking at why black cats have been maligned throughout history is crucial to understanding how we can lift them up today. Many believe black cats began being associated with witchcraft, bad luck, and evil in medieval Europe. Black cats were often thought to be witches in disguise, and when one crossed your path it was said you should expect misfortune.
Even kings were afraid! Throughout Europe, black cats were killed on sight at points in history because they were seen as witches or bringers of bad luck. It’s tragic to me that beautiful creatures who likely never did anything to anyone — except maybe knock a vase off a table — were so widely feared. Thankfully we don’t live in those times anymore. Right?
Wrong.
The superstition that they’re bad luck lives on in overlooked adoption stats and searches like “black cat bad luck,” which are STILL done millions of times each year. Awareness is the first step to making sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of our past.
Black Cats Aren’t Viewed As Bad Luck Everywhere
Contrary to popular belief here in the United States, black cats have actually been revered in cultures all over the world. Did you know that in Japanese culture black cats are considered to be bringers of fortune and wealth? Or that sailors kept them on their ships as a symbol of good luck during voyages? Black cats are considered good luck in Scotland and Ireland. Single women in Japan believe black cats should be adopted because they’ll bring good potential suitors into their lives.
Ancient Egyptians worshipped all cats as gods, but black cats were thought to be especially powerful.
This isn’t meant to shame anyone who may have grown up hearing that black cats equal bad news. This belief wasn’t always taught everywhere, and as it turns out, those who believed otherwise were onto something!
1. Black Cats Have The Cutest Personalities
Listen, I know I said this whole post wouldn’t be about my obsession with cats, but hear me out on this one. Black cats have some of the loveliest personalities. I’ve had the pleasure of growing up with black cats and currently sharing my home with a black cat. They’re experts at making you feel important.
From low-key sweethearts who hang on your every move to witty companions who never hesitate to give you feedback, black cats truly have it all.
Remember how I said black cats aren’t affiliated with a certain personality? Carry that thought with you when you read this next part.
To me, black cats exude this quiet confidence. My black cat Harley walks into any room like she owns the place. She curls up on my lap whenever it’s time for a cozy movie night like she was born doing that exact thing, and when she looks at me with those big round eyes — she knows something I don’t.
If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, give that black one some extra love. Let that cat crawl all over you and see if you can resist taking him home.
2. Black Cats Are Majestic
Did you know there’s a whole black cat aesthetic? These creatures are truly something else. Black cats have always been a massive inspiration for artists because of how majestic they look.
Ever notice how black cats look copper or brown in the sun? That’s because light reflects off their coats and creates this gorgeous iridescent sheen that every black cat parent knows well.
Their eyes also stand out in a way that no other cat’s eyes do. Whether they’re gold, amber, green, or anything in between, pairing that dark coat with striking eyes feels magical.
Want more proof they’re beloved by artists? Just look around your favorite bookstore. Black cats grace the covers of many famous novels. They’re popular in movies, tattoos, and home décor, too. These babies are pure perfection.
3. They’re Struggling To Find Loving Homes
You know those shelter stats I mentioned earlier? It’s no secret within the shelter community that black cats are the least adopted color. Many cite being harder to photograph for online profiles, along with old superstitions, as reasons they get passed over at adoption events.
The end result of these factors is that black cats wait longer in shelters than their lighter-colored counterparts. Long enough that in some shelters, they’re euthanized at a higher rate.
I’m not trying to guilt trip you into adopting a black cat. When you see hundreds of cats at a shelter, your brain instantly looks for reasons to narrow down your decision. Believe me, I get it.
I will say that knowing thousands of cats are overlooked each year simply because they’re black is heartbreaking. When you adopt a black cat, you’re saving that animal’s life.
There’s something special about looking into the eyes of a cat who spent months or years at a shelter searching for a home and watching them realize they’ve finally found you. Few other moments compare to that.
4. People Are Afraid Of “Bad Luck” But It Simply Doesn’t Exist
Let’s talk about this. Scroll through this post and you’ll find references to myths about black cats bringing bad luck. But here’s the thing — it doesn’t happen.
Bad things don’t just happen to people who own black cats. Bad luck is caused by life happening to humans — vehicles colliding, severe weather, accidents at work. Black cats have nothing to do with it. And until someone can prove otherwise, let’s stop perpetuating the stigma that unfairly followed these beautiful creatures in the first place.
5. Black Cats Are Magic In Pop Culture
It wouldn’t be fair to dive so deeply into black cat history without acknowledging all the wonderful representations of black cats in pop culture.
Sabrina’s Salem was probably the smartest, most realistic character on the entire show. Hocus Pocus’s Binx may have been a scaredy-cat, but his heart was big. Luna from Sailor Moon was magical and always looked out for her crew.
The point is, when given the chance to shine, black cats steal the spotlight. I can’t wait until we live in a world where they steal the spotlight in shelters everywhere.
Black Cat Myths FAQ
Are black cats bad luck? Absolutely not. This myth comes from the Middle Ages and European culture. Black cats are considered good luck in several countries, including Japan, Scotland, Italy, and more!
Do black cats get adopted less? Tragically, yes. Black cats get passed over at adoption events due to superstition, and they can be difficult to photograph in shelter settings. Once they are in a home, owners rave about them just like any other cat.
Do black cats have different personalities? Not at all. The only things that determine a cat’s personality are their genetics, how they were socialized as a kitten, and their individual spirit. Black cats can be just as playful, shy, lazy, and affectionate as any other cat.
What day is Black Cat Appreciation Day? Black Cat Appreciation Day is August 17th! It’s celebrated each year to help highlight black cats and encourage more people to adopt them.
Do black cats have green eyes? They can! A black cat’s eye color isn’t determined by their coat. The amount of melanin in their eyes can cause them to have gold, amber, green, or copper eyes.
Final Thoughts
Black cat appreciation starts with looking these animals in the eye and knowing they’re worth celebrating. They’re stunning, loving, important members of society that are simply not getting the attention they deserve.
I hope this encourages you to adopt a black cat. But if you can’t, then spread the word on social media, nudge your cat-owning friends who don’t have a black cat yet, or donate to your local shelter to keep fighting the good fight.
Like any beautiful creature in this world, black cats deserve more love than we can give them.
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