🐈⬛ National Black Cat Appreciation Day is here, and it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on these sleek, mysterious, and often misunderstood companions.🐈⬛
Black Cats in Ancient Egypt
Thousands of years ago, in the heart of Ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred protectors. Black cats, in particular, were thought to bring prosperity and protection to households. The goddess Bastet, often depicted with the head of a cat, represented home, fertility, and protection.
Cats of royalty were adorned with golden jewellery, treated like family, and sometimes even dined from their owners’ plates!
A Symbol of Good Luck in Celtic Tradition
In Celtic mythology, black cats weren’t feared; they were celebrated. Legends tell of fairies who could take the form of black cats, and their arrival at a home was considered a sign of good fortune.
In Scotland, the appearance of a black cat on your doorstep was said to mean prosperity was on the way, a belief still held by some today.
The Dark Turn: Witch Trials and Superstition
Sadly, not all histories are kind. When devoutly religious Pilgrims arrived in America in the 1600s, they rejected pagan beliefs and began associating black cats with witchcraft.
It was believed witches could transform into black cats to avoid detection, leading to fear, cruelty, and even the killing of these innocent animals. During the witch trials, owning a black cat could put someone’s life in danger.
Fascinating Facts About Black Cats You Might Not Know
They Can Help Your Love Life ❤️
Forget the “lonely cat lady” stereotype; in Japan, single women who own black cats are thought to attract more suitors. In the English Midlands, a black cat is considered the perfect wedding gift, bringing luck and happiness to the bride.
They Have a Sailing History ⚓
For centuries, ships kept cats onboard to control rodents. British sailors believed a black cat brought good luck and a safe return home. Pirates, however, were a little more complicated:
Black cat walking toward you = bad luck
Walking away from you = good luck
Boarding a ship and then jumping off = disaster ahead.
They Can Change Colour in the Sun 🌞
If your black cat loves sunbathing, UV rays can break down the pigment in their fur, turning it a rusty brown. Once that fur sheds, new jet-black fur grows back.
They’re Symbols of Good Luck in Many Countries 🍀
While in parts of North America they’re linked to bad luck, in Scotland and France they’re connected to wealth, and in Germany, a black cat crossing your path means good fortune is coming your way.
Black is Genetically Dominant 🧬
When it comes to coat colour, black is the most dominant gene, and one of the most common colours in domestic cats. Many still have small white patches.
Most Have Striking Yellow Eyes 👀
The majority of black cats have golden or yellow eyes, creating that stunning contrast that makes them so captivating.
Hidden Patterns Under Their Fur 🌈
Look at a black cat in bright sunlight, and you may spot faint tabby stripes. That’s because tabby patterning is genetically dominant for coat patterns, even if the black colouring masks it.
Modern Myths and Shelter Stays
While no one believes black cats are witches in disguise anymore, the shadow of old superstitions still lingers.
In many shelters, including ours, black cats often wait longer to be adopted. Some potential adopters still worry about bad luck, while others pass them by because they believe black cats “don’t photograph well.”
Here are two pages, from Alvin the Cat Who Couldn’t Cat by Paul Grimshaw:
“‘I’m so pleased you have chosen two black cats,’ said the head of the shelter. ‘A lot of people don’t choose black cats because they don’t think they’ll look good in photographs. That’s why our little black kitties have to wait longer to get new homes.”
Alvin was adopted from The Sheffield Cats Shelter, and all these years later, our black cats still end up getting overlooked.
You can buy the Alvin ‘the cat who couldn’t cat’ and when Alvin met Barry, books from our charity shops!
Alivn ‘The Cat who Couldn’t Cat’
By Paul Grimshaw
Alivn ‘The Cat who Couldn’t Cat’
By Paul Grimshaw
Why We Celebrate National Black Cat Appreciation Day
This day is about rewriting the story, celebrating black cats for their beauty, charm, and unique personalities. Their history is filled with magic, love, and resilience, and today they deserve nothing but appreciation.
At The Sheffield Cats Shelter, we’re proud to care for black cats of all personalities, from bold adventurers to shy cuddle-bugs, and we won’t rest until they find the homes they deserve.
How You Can Help Black Cats Today
This day is about rewriting the story, celebrating black cats for their beauty, charm, and unique personalities. Their history is filled with magic, love, and resilience, and today they deserve nothing but appreciation.
At The Sheffield Cats Shelter, we’re proud to care for black cats of all personalities, from bold adventurers to shy cuddle-bugs, and we won’t rest until they find the homes they deserve.
How You Can Help Black Cats Today
💚 Adopt – Give a black cat their happy ending.
💚 Sponsor or Donate – Support their care while they wait for a forever home.
💚 Spread the Word – Share photos, bust the myths, and help these gorgeous felines shine.
