10 fascinating facts about black cats
No kitty is as misunderstood as our inky-furred feline friend, the black cat.
In 2017 so far, Cats Protection welfare charity revealed that their black cat residents have taken 13% longer to be rehomed than cats of any other color. Shocking, right!
Typically associated with bad-luck, witches and Halloween, it’s well known that dark-haired kitties have a long (and unfair) myth-filled history.
To help debunk these common misconceptions and prove their bad reputation is all hocus pocus, we’ve put together 10 fascinating facts about black cats…
One in 22
There are as many as 22 recognized breeds that can have solid black coloring but the only all-black feline is the Bombay cat.
The breed was developed in the 1950s by crossing Sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs with the aim to create a cat that resembled a miniature black panther.
Well if you can have a lion in your living, why not a panther!
The Witching Hour
Cats were often cared for and fed by poor, lonely ladies who were accused of witchery and as a result, got a bad rep.
Black cats were considered especially desirable partners for witches because of their ability to remain unseen in dark places and as witch hunts grew in popularity, many superstitions about uniformly black felines started to develop.
Thankfully witchcraft is now something we worry about less, so those beautiful black kitties can rest easy.
Imposters Dressed in Black
If your black cat has an underlying tabby gene, you may see faint stripes appear on them after they’ve spent the afternoon basking in the sun.
Why? The sun’s rays break down the pigment in their fur and reveals their dormant tabby coloring.
Think of it as the feline version of a suntan.
Goldeneye
Due to their genetic makeup, true onyx-hued cats produce a lot of melanin.
This pigment makes their coats black and their eyes a captivating amber shade, an extremely rare eye color in humans.
A sight for sore eyes indeed.
Fortune Kitty
In Ancient Egypt, all cats, including black cats, were considered sacred and worshipped.
The goddess Bastet, a deity often depicted as a woman with the head of a black cat, was strongly associated with domestic cats.
Every house and temple had at least one cat as it was seen as a way to bring luck into your family.
Cat Onboard
Historically, sailors and fishermen believed that having a black cat onboard would bring the ship good luck and guarantee a safe journey (with the added benefit of fewer rats).
Fishermen’s wives would also keep black cats at home believing that they would ensure their husbands returned home safely from sea.
A far better onboard companion than a noisy parrot, don’t you think?
Magic Fur
Lab goggles at the ready: researchers at the National Institute of Health discovered that the genetic mutation that causes a cat’s fur to be black also protects them from certain diseases.
Because cats experience many of the same health issues humans do — Cancer and Alzheimer’s to name a few — experts believe studying these fascinating felines could possibly help mankind combat these illnesses.
Impressive — a coat that not only looks good but helps black cats (and potentially us) feel good too!
Cash Cat
Lucky Tommaso made the Guinness Book of World Records after his owner, Maria Assunta, bequeathed 10 million euros to her furry friend.
This abandoned black kitty was a stray living on the streets of Rome before he was rescued by his adoring owner.
A true rags-to-riches tale!
Lights, camera, catnip
Heavyweight Hollywood directors learnt early on that most films could easily be improved by the presence of a cat.
Scene stealing feline costars include Salem the sassy feline star of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, the transfigured Binx from Disney’s Hocus Pocus and the homeless kitty who stole the show in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Cat.
But the first ever kitty starlet was Pepper who — it’s said — was a Maltese cat born under the floor of Keystone Studios in 1912. She crawled up through the floorboards in the middle of a scene and into film history!
Lucky in love
Despite the popularity of cultural stereotypes involving single women and cats (crazy cat lady comes to mind), in certain parts of the world it’s actually believed that owning a black cat can improve your love life and attract potential suitors.
Just make sure you remove all of the black fur from your clothing before actually going on the date!
FAQs
In most of the United Kingdom, black cats are considered lucky, especially if they cross your path. And some people even give them to newlyweds as a gift of good fortune. In Germany, it's considered lucky when a black cat crosses your path from right to left, but not left to right.
What are some cool facts about black cats? ›
In most of the United Kingdom, black cats are considered lucky, especially if they cross your path. And some people even give them to newlyweds as a gift of good fortune. In Germany, it's considered lucky when a black cat crosses your path from right to left, but not left to right.
What is special about the black cat? ›
Black cats are well known for their association with Halloween, witchcraft, and bad luck. However, despite their reputation, they are unique felines that are thought to bring good luck in some countries, and they have a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages.
What are black cats good at? ›
Compassionate: Not only friendly, they seem to take devotion to the max. Some black cats let foster animals eat before they do. They make steadfast companions and can be very proactive about taking care of others – bringing other animals food, and washing people and animals they've just met.
What do black cats symbolize? ›
Superstition, folklore, bringer of good or bad luck
Black cats are often a symbol of Halloween or witchcraft. In most Western cultures, black cats have typically been looked upon as a symbol of evil omens, specifically being suspected of being the familiars of witches, or actually shape-shifting witches themselves.
Are black cats smart? ›
Yes, in general, black cats are smarter cats, in comparison to other colored cats, but is it because of their fur – color? No, fur color cannot decide the intelligence level of cats, but as black cats are most ignored and less adopted feline – It makes them more clever and smarter to understand the situation.
Why are black cats rare? ›
Pure black cats are not inherently rare. The prevalence of black cats depends on factors such as region, population, and breeding. In many places, black cats are relatively common. However, they might face challenges in adoption due to superstitions or myths associated with their color.
What are the black cats powers? ›
Felicia Hardy has feline-based powers, including enhanced strength and agility, as well as bad luck aura to use against her opponents. Her powers later mutate, granting her extraordinary balance and retractable claws.
How does black cat have powers? ›
Powers and abilities
Initially, the Black Cat had no superhuman abilities. Later, a test induced by the Kingpin gave her the psionic ability to affect probability fields; essentially, she could produce "bad luck" for her enemies.
Are black cats chatty? ›
No. Some cats no matter what color are more vocal than others. The exception is certain breeds. Siamese, Savannahs, and Bengals are more vocal than other breeds .
In some European folklore, black cats are considered common companions of witches and bringers of misfortune if they happened to cross your path. In contrast, Welsh folklore depicts black cats would bring luck to a home and could even be a reliable weather predictor (3).
What does it mean when a black cat stares at you? ›
But in ancient cultures, if a black cat crossed your path, this was seen as a very good sign that wealth would come your way. And some say that if this cat stares directly at you, this is a sure sign of good luck to come your way very soon.
When a black cat chooses you? ›
The cat is bringing you good luck.
While black cats are often seen as bad omens, a stray black choosing you is actually considered very fortunate. This sweet soul might bring you protection and prosperity.
What are two superstitions about black cats? ›
Superstition #2: Black Cats Are Bad Luck
In modern-day North America, negative connotations continue to haunt black cats: It's considered bad luck if a black cat crosses your path, and good luck if a white cat crosses your path. Another family member is bound to die if you spot a black cat during a funeral procession.
When a black cat walks in front of you? ›
In India, there is a popular belief that if a black cat crosses your path then it is unauspicious. However, in certain parts of the world, it is actually considered to be good luck. In Britain, Germany, Ireland and Japan coming across a black cat on your travel are lucky.
What is a black cat called? ›
1. Bombay - a breed for black cats only. If you're looking forward to endless kitty cuddles on the couch, there is one black cat breed that will be happy to comply. It's the Bombay cat, a kitten truly dedicated to the colour black - their glossy coats come in this shade only.
How powerful is a black cat? ›
The Black Cat has reflexes, agility, and stamina of an Olympic level acrobat. She is physically very strong and athletic and has great physical endurance. She is an excellent street fighter capable of taking on several armed assailants and incapacitating them without being injured herself.
How rare is the black cat? ›
Black Is the Most Common Feline Coat Color
It's not a glitch in the matrix; black is actually the most common coat color among felines. The gene for expressing eumelanin—the pigment needed to make black fur—is dominant in black cats. A cat usually gets two copies of a gene, one from mom and one from dad.
Are black cats good or bad pets? ›
Black cats shouldn't get a bad rap just because they look sneaky. In fact, they're considered good luck in many cultures. In Scotland, it's lucky for a strange black cat to arrive at your doorstep. In Japan, black cats are thought to help single women find suitors.
Are black cats more rare? ›
In fact, there are 22 cat breeds that can potentially have solid black fur. Some of these breeds have long, fluffy fur, and others are short-haired and sleek-looking. Black cats aren't necessarily rare. That said, there are specific breeds like the Bombay or the Oriental Shorthair that are predominantly black in color.
