Black Cat Myths: Understanding Black Cats
Thinking about adopting a black cat? Bust myths, gain insights, and make an informed decision with our helpful guide.
by Julie Zeilinger, | June 22, 2023
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Many animals are associated with specific superstitions and myths, but perhaps none so much as the black cat. From their frequent presence in Halloween decorations to the North American belief that one of these felines crossing your path means bad luck, black cats often have a reputation for being spooky, mysterious, and even dangerous.
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But where does this myth come from, and why do black cats get such a bad rap? Dive into the history and myths surrounding black cats, their symbolism around the world, and how you can break the stigma and help debunk these beliefs to encourage more people to adopt black cats.
What is the history of black cats?
The superstition around black cats may date all the way back to Ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, Zeus’s wife, Hera, transformed one of her servants into a black cat as punishment for getting in the way of Hercules’s birth. That servant, known as Galinthias, eventually became an assistant to Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft.
Many of the spookier beliefs around black cats are thought to have originated in the Middle Ages in Europe. During the 13th century, the Catholic Church even claimed that black cats were an incarnation of Satan in written documents issued by Pope Gregory IX, which only contributed to the distrust and superstitions surrounding these beautiful felines. Cats were then sometimes blamed for the spread of the Bubonic plague, which led people to kill cats of every color, but especially black cats. Ironically, fewer cats meant the plague spread faster without felines around to control the disease-spreading rat population. In fact, this superstition continued into the 19th century when black cats were often killed during times of plague.
These beliefs continued into the 17th century during the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts. Many people considered black cats unlucky and even evil, and these cats were often killed along with those accused of witchcraft.
Where did the superstition about black cats originate?
So, why are black cats considered bad luck? There is no definite answer about where the superstitions around black cats originated, but there are several theories. The most basic black cat superstition origin story is that cats were seen as independent and disrespectful of authority, just like the women accused of witchcraft, so it was easy for society to pair the two together.
Medieval folklore associated these dark-colored felines and their ability to disappear in the shadows with witches, and many people believed that black cats were witches (or even demons) in disguise or the familiars or pets of witches.
Because of their dark fur color, black cats were also often associated with death, like crows and ravens. In fact, in Italy in the 16th century, it was believed that a person’s death was imminent if a black cat lay on their sickbed.
Are black cats really considered bad luck?
Today, black cats are most commonly seen as pets, but in North America, the idea that black cats are bad luck still endures. However, there has been a growing movement in recent years to debunk this myth and celebrate black cats as loving pets and companions. In fact, black cats are the most common color of feline, as the black fur gene is the most dominant, especially in male cats. With so many black cats out in the world, adopting these felines is critical to reducing shelter and rescue populations. Plus, black cats deserve loving homes just as much as any other cat.
Do black cats have any positive symbolism?
In many countries beyond North America, black cats have been considered good luck, or have served as symbols of coming wealth, wisdom, and protection, for centuries.
Good luck
In both Asia and the United Kingdom, having a black cat is a sign that you will live a lucky life. In Japan, black cats are thought to be positive signs for single women, promising luck in love. In some areas of England, locals believe that a bride will have luck in her marriage if she sees a black cat while on the way to her wedding. Many European sailors believe that a black cat on their ship will ensure a safe journey.
Protection
Black cats are also seen as symbols of protection, and many cultures believe that they can ward off evil spirits and bad luck. In Ancient Egypt, black cats were held in high esteem because of their resemblance to Bastet, the cat-headed Egyptian goddess of home, fertility, and protection from disease. Because of this, black cats were believed to possess supernatural powers, capable of protecting individuals and homes.
In Japan, black cats are often used as a symbol to ward off evil or bad luck, whether in the form of an actual black cat or a figurine.
Prosperity
In some cultures, black cats are seen as symbols of prosperity, and it’s believed that they can bring wealth and good fortune to their human parents. In Scotland, for example, simply seeing a black cat sitting in your doorway or on your porch signifies that you will enjoy some unexpected wealth soon.
Magic
While black cats have been negatively associated with magic and witchcraft since the Middle Ages, in some cultures, it is believed that these felines can help cast spells and perform other magical tasks in a positive way. For example, seeing a black cat in France is far from bad luck — instead, it means that something magical is about to happen to you.
Wisdom
Black cats are also seen as symbols of wisdom. Many cultures believe that they can offer guidance and support to those seeking it, and it can even be a sign of good luck if you dream about a black cat or see one walking toward you.
Guille Faingold / Stocksy
How can we support black cats and promote their adoption?
Like rabbits at Easter, black cats are sometimes more popular during Halloween — and then end up back in the shelters when families don’t want to commit to a pet. But while myths about black cats abound, just like any other cat, they can be loving and affectionate companions, providing comfort to individuals and families alike.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can encourage the adoption of black cats in your community and keep superstition from influencing adoption decisions, whether you volunteer or work at a rescue or shelter or simply want to spread the joy of black cat parenthood.
Adopt a black cat yourself
The most obvious way to help black cats in need is to adopt one yourself. There are many black cats in shelters and rescues looking for a loving home. Unfortunately, because they are so common (and perhaps in part due to the superstitions around them), black cats have the highest chances of euthanasia of any cat in U.S. shelters. So get out and adopt a black cat today!
Volunteer at a shelter or rescue that specializes in black cats
Look for a local shelter or rescue that specializes in finding loving forever homes for black cats. Spending time in a black cat-specific shelter is a great way to help black cats in need and learn more about these beautiful felines.
Spread the word about black cats
Talk to your friends, family, and social media followers about the benefits of adopting a black cat. Show off your own black cat or those at your local shelter on social media, and encourage other black cat parents to share their own images. If anyone around you talks about how black cats are bad luck, take time to bust that myth and share how gentle, social, and smart black cats can be.
Donate to a shelter or rescue that specializes in black cats
If you don’t have time to volunteer, your donations to shelters or rescues are always welcome. Your donation to a black cat-specific rescue will help to provide food, shelter, and medical care for black cats in need.
Host a black cat adoption event
Help your local shelter or rescue by hosting an adoption event for black cats. This is a great way to raise awareness about black cats and help them find loving homes.
Use social media to promote black cats
Share photos and videos of black cats on social media and use hashtags like #adoptablackcat and #blackcatsrule. Be sure to post on National Black Cat Day on October 27 to celebrate your own black cat and encourage others to do the same. You can even follow Instagram and TikTok accounts featuring black cats, like Rover the Cat, and share their posts.
Black cats are just as playful and affectionate as cats of any other color and sometimes even more so. Remember that every cat’s personality and background is different, but don’t let old myths and superstitions stop you from welcoming a black cat into your home and your life!
Commonly asked questions:
Are black cats really considered bad luck?
Black cats are still considered bad luck by some, but are considered good luck in many cultures.
Where did the superstition about black cats and bad luck originate?
There are many theories about the origins of the superstition about black cats, including in ancient Greece and the Middle Ages.
Do black cats have any positive symbolism?
Black cats are considered good luck in Asian and European countries like Japan and the UK.
Are black cats any different in terms of behavior or personality?
Every black cat is different, but many are known to be gentle, social, and smart.
How can we debunk the myth about black cats and bad luck?
You can share the truth about black cats with your friends, families, and social media followers.
How can we support black cats and promote their adoption?
You can adopt a black cat yourself, volunteer at and/or donate to a shelter that supports black cats, and even host a black cat adoption event.
Is it safe to own a black cat?
Yes, it is safe to own a black cat — they are not likely to be more aggressive than cats of other colors and are just as affectionate as others, too.
References:
The Effect of Supersition on Consumer Behavior.
Measuring superstitious belief: why lucky charms matter
Coat Color and Cat Outcomes in an Urban U.S. Shelter
Julie Zeilinger
Julie Zeilinger is a NYC-based writer and editor whose writing has been published in Marie Claire, Vox, HuffPost, Forbes, and other publications. She is also the author of two books: College 101: A Girl’s Guide to Freshman Year (2014) and A Little F’d Up: Why Feminism Is Not a Dirty Word (2012). She is the mom to Baloo, a two-year-old Bichpoo and foster mom to dogs via Badass Animal Rescue.