What do you do when you’re walking down the street, and suddenly, you approach a black cat sprawled across the sidewalk? Do you keep going, or do you freeze? If you’re superstitious, you might start panicking about what might happen next, but why? Where did the lore surrounding the enigmatic black cat come from anyway?
Why Do We Think Black Cats Are So Mysterious?
Nowadays, our relationship with pets has changed in many ways from what it was in the past. This shift is particularly evident in the way we think about black cats.
Most people, especially pet lovers, know that there isn’t any real reason to fear black cats. Still, some do get anxious when a black cat crosses their path or pops up unexpectedly.
Preconceived Ideas About Black Cats Affect How You See Them
People’s reactions to black cats tend to be rooted in the stereotypical associations we make between black cats and things like witches and witchcraft. Mostly, these superstitions arise from history, fueled by stories that pass down the line and stir up certain ideas and images in the present day.
Basically, deep down, you understand you’re not doomed if a black cat saunters across the sidewalk as you’re enjoying your morning stroll. However, because of the longstanding link between black cats and unlucky circumstances, you might still pause.
Your reaction may even be more substantial if you happen to be going through an anxious time in your life. When you’re facing some type of big decision or worrisome issue, anything and everything might be a sign.
This is especially likely if you tend to lean into more superstitious ideas. However, not all mysteries surrounding black cats have to do with witches, spells, bad luck, and portents of evil.
A Quick History of Black Cat Superstitions
In a nutshell, most of the superstitions revolving around black cats originate from ancient Egypt and Europe in the Middle Ages. On the Egyptian side of things, black cats were actually considered sacred, primarily linked to the goddess Bastet.
This might not be hard to believe if you have a feline friend that struts around like they own the place. It’s no surprise that many cat owners pamper their pets with gourmet foods, decorative bowls, and fancy treat mats. But in Egypt, worshiping cats was expected. Killing a cat of any kind was a serious offense and considered criminal, coming with major consequences.
However, fast forward to the Middle Ages in Europe, and the perception of cats shifted dramatically to one of fear. People associated cats with the devil, witchcraft, and other occult practices.
Black cats were especially feared because people linked them to bad omens. Since the color black was typically associated with death, darkness, and the unknown, a black cat was the epitome of evil.
These are two drastically different views. One perspective is that cats are sacred, while the other is that they’re evil. These two primary perceptions of felines tend to inform how various cultures viewed black cats throughout history.
13 Myths and Legends About Black Cats
Many popular black cat superstitions are associated with bad luck, but it’s not always the case. Some of the myths surrounding black cats actually focus on good things to come, and some beliefs surrounding dark-colored felines are simply silly.
Here are a few fun myths and superstitions about black cats that span centuries. Which ones do you believe?
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If you’re a theatre director or performer, a black cat in the theater on opening night may mean your play will be a success.
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Witches can transform into black cats, while other witches keep black cats as familiars.
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If a black cat crosses your path, it means you’re about to experience misfortune. (This superstition is perhaps one of the most well-known of all, often reinforced via movies, books, and television shows.)
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A black cat is lucky in Japan, and if you see one, you’re about to achieve prosperity or find love. (Perhaps this is why cat cafés are so popular in Japan.)
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If you come across a black cat in France, you’re about to see something magical.
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Sailors in Europe could increase their odds of safe passage if they brought a black cat onto the ship. However, in some areas, if a black cat walked onto the ship and then back off, the ship was going to sink.
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Give a bride a black cat for her wedding in some areas of England, and she’s destined to have a great marriage.
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A black cat walking toward you is good luck, but if it walks away, that’s bad, because the cat takes the good luck with them.
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In Germany, it’s all about direction, too. If a black cat walks from left to right, it’s good, but right to left is bad.
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If you’re feeling under the weather in Italy, beware a black cat walking across the bed because it could mean your time is up!
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If you find a white hair on a black cat, you’re lucky.
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Did you dream about a black cat? That’s lucky!
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In Chinese folklore, black cats could protect against evil spirits, and many people kept them in their homes or places of work.
Why Black Cat Myths Matter
Many of these myths persist to this day in certain cultures. You might not think believing in them is a big deal, especially if you’re not the type to take them to heart.
The problem is, there are people who fully believe many of these superstitions. Of course, in the case of the more positive ones, like black cats bringing good luck, it might seem harmless.
However, the larger problem arises with the unfavorable myths. For example, if you believe a black cat is a bad omen, you’re not going to adopt one. On the contrary, many shelters won’t allow black cat adoptions during Halloween because of fear for the animals’ welfare.
Halloween Isn’t a Fun Time for Black Cats
Unscrupulous people seek out black cats during Halloween to perform unsavory acts, even going as far as stealing pets. This is why there are so many warnings to protect pets during Halloween, especially black cats, making sure to keep them indoors and safe.
Don’t Let Myths Get in the Way of Finding Your Forever Feline
It’s important to bust the myths and misconceptions surrounding black cats so these deserving felines get the love, attention, and homes they deserve. A cat’s color doesn’t determine its affection, temperament, or luck factor.
Whether a cat’s black, white, orange, gray, blue, or brown, they have the same potential and capacity to be an incredible pet. Therefore, don’t dwell on superstitious stereotypes.
Cats aren’t something to be feared or even collected for good luck. No matter what a cat looks like, you need to get to know them, superstitions aside. A black cat could be the perfect pet for you, so don’t let a myth stop you from adopting or exploring the possibilities.
Check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog to learn more about your furry friend and what makes them tick. You’ll also get helpful tips on how to be a great pet parent and fun ideas for spending quality time with your pet.