Black cats and superstitions
Black cats are sleek, shiny and beautiful. But did you know they’re less likely to be adopted than cats of other colours? This may be in part because of the superstitions associated with black cats. But whether black cats are a symbol of good luck or bad luck varies from culture to culture. Read on to learn more.
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Common superstitions about black cats
Black cats are associated with many different superstitions in cultures and historical tales around the world. Despite all the mythology surrounding black cats, they’re the most common colour of cat due to the black fur gene being more dominant. We’ve listed some of the most widely known black cat superstitions below.
Negative black cat superstitions:
- Bad luck: In many Western cultures, seeing a black cat is believed to bring bad luck, particularly if it crosses your path.
- Associated with witches: Black cats have long been linked to witches in European folklore – in which they were considered witches' familiars or even shape-shifted witches themselves.
- Symbol of death: In some cultures, a black cat appearing at a funeral or in someone's home is viewed as a sign of impending death.
Positive black cat superstitions:
- Good luck: Lucky black cats are seen as symbols of good fortune in some countries, such as Japan and Scotland. British sailors also preferred black cats on board to control rodent populations.
- Protection from evil spirits: In ancient Egypt, black cats were revered and thought to protect against evil spirits.
- A good wedding gift: In the Midlands in the UK, a black cat is considered to bring good luck and happiness to the bride if given as a gift on her wedding day.
Are black cats less popular as pets?
According to the RSPCA, black cats take longer to be adopted from shelters than other colours. Here are two possible reasons why.
Superstitious minds
While there’s no hard-and-fast evidence, some people might be put off choosing a black cat due to their associations with bad luck and bad omens. Superstitious people might not want such a talisman living in their house when they could have a tabby or tortoiseshell instead.
They’re harder to photograph
Black cats often struggle to photograph well, which may contribute to lower adoption rates. Their dark fur makes it harder for their features to stand out in photos, especially in low light. Without proper lighting and contrast, their facial expressions, eyes, and unique characteristics can be lost, leading to unflattering or "invisible" images.
This can make them appear less appealing than lighter-coloured cats, which are easier to photograph. In the age of social media, where attractive pictures help promote adoptable pets on rehoming websites, black cats' difficulty in standing out visually might cause potential adopters to overlook them.
Black cat breeds
The only black cat with a completely jet-black coat is the Bombay, with striking yellow/green eyes, it’s a breed that doesn’t come in any other colours. But they aren’t very common in the UK.
The most common breed of black cat is the Moggie (Domestic Shorthair) but there’s a whole range of cats out there which have black fur, including:
• British Shorthair
• Devon Rex
• Cornish Rex
• Maine Coon
• Norwegian Forest Cat
• Scottish Fold
• Ragamuffin
You can find out how to care for these breeds in our cat breed guides, which include information on nutrition, grooming and health conditions.
Caring for a black cat
If you choose to welcome a black cat into your family, they need just as much care and attention as cats of other colours – whether they’re lucky or not.
You’ll need to consider their diet and exercise, sleeping and toileting needs, and you’ll likely want to take out cat insurance to help cover any vet bills or medication required.
There are a few specific things to consider when caring for a black cat:
- Black cats are less visible at night, so if your feline friend likes to wander, consider investing in a reflective collar so motorists can see them.
- Black cats can get hotter in summer, as their fur absorbs heat from the sun. Make sure they have somewhere cool in the shade to retreat to, although you’ll probably find them basking in a sunspot mostly. You’ll also notice their fur lightens in the summer months, just like humans’ hair lightens in the sun.
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance can protect you financially by covering the cost of medical treatments for accidents and illnesses should your kitty become unwell. The amount covered and the type of treatments may vary depending on your policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is a black cat good or bad luck?
Depending on which superstition you believe or which culture you’re from, both could apply. Many western cultures believe black cats are bad luck, while in ancient Egypt, Japan and Scotland they’re believed to be a symbol of good luck.
What is special about black cats?
There are a lot of superstitions and beliefs relating to black cats. Some cultures believe that black cats are a symbol of good luck, while others think they’re an omen of bad luck. Black cats have been associated with witchcraft and with seafaring in the past.
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