10 Fascinating Facts About Black Cats

10 Fascinating Facts About Black Cats

They are cats with black fur known for being symbols of Halloween or witchcraft. In Western cultures, they strongly believe that black cats are a symbol of bad luck. However, many people believe that they can represent good luck and should be considered sacred. But this shouldn’t affect a person’s judgment towards these cats because, in reality, a cat’s fur has no bearing on its personality or behavior.

Black cats are part of various breeds that can differ in temperaments and color. Due to the many superstitions surrounding black cats, they are barely finding safe homes and most of them end up being stray cats or just grow old in their respective shelters.

Aside from all the bad stories about black cats, they are very loving, playful, and fun pets. It should be noted that all cats deserve love, care, and a safe home.

1. They were Highly Respected in Ancient Times

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In ancient Egypt, black cats were considered to be sacred and were worshipped regularly. During this time, killing a black cat was considered a crime punishable by death. Even in Celtic folklore, they were believed to bring good fortune to their respective owners and the community. In Japanese folklore, black cats are called neko mata which means a being that possesses supernatural powers but brings good fortune to their owner.

2. Black Cats are Very Intelligent

Due to the fact that they are highly intelligent cats, they are able to solve problems and generally survive on their own. They are very curious and enjoy exploring their surrounding with confidence. Black cats are capable of entertaining themselves, this causes them to favor their own company compared to others.

3. Some of Them are Gentle Pets

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Black cats, depending on the breed, are noted for being affectionate, and playful. They have a gentle nature that allows them to form a bond with their owners. With their affectionate characteristic, they are able to be loving companions and are able to make sad moments better. Many people have also noted that black cats are able to adapt to any environment. They make themselves comfortable in every environment.

4. Black Cats have Elegant Eyes

They are famous for their striking yellow eyes which sometimes can be green. They have sharp contrasting eyes that complement their dark fur. Their eyes have been labeled as mysterious and intense. In the fashion industry, the classic cat eye makeup look came from the elegant eyes of black cats. For centuries, black cats have been seen as the symbol of beauty and prestige.

Click here to read about classic domestic pets.

5. They are Associated with The Black Cat Syndrome

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Due to the fact that most people don’t want to be associated with black cats, they have become less likely to be adopted from shelters. The Black Cat syndrome is a superstition and prejudice that is based on black cats. This is because many people associate them with bad luck and witchcraft. This syndrome has led to the mistreatment as well as abuse of black cats. 

6. Black Cats are Protected by Organizations

The result of black cat syndrome has led to animal welfare organizations stepping up and protecting these animals. Aside from providing them with shelter, they advocate for the adoption of black cats. They also host campaigns aimed that educating the public about the unfair treatment of black cats.

7. They are Involved in The Literary World

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In almost all fantasy and horror novels, black cats have been the epitome of storytelling. Some of the fictional characters that are depicted as black cats are Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and the Cat in Coraline. All of these depictions are sneaky, and fun, but also mysterious black cats.

8. Black Cats Have a Melanistic Gene

The gene in their bodies that causes excess production of pigment is known as Melanistic. This gene causes them to have the ability to camouflage because they are dark enough to hide in the shadows and dark alleys. Many people believe that this is a gift that is possessed by black cats because they are involved in witchcraft.

However, it should be noted that some black cats can have a more charcoal-like color while others have a more deep shade. The color of black cats depends on their genetics and lighting conditions.

Read the amazing facts about black panthers here.

9. They are Honored Through a Special Day

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Every August 17th black cats are celebrated through Black Cat Appreciation Day. The day is solely meant to raise awareness for black cats because of the discrimination they face. On this day, the beauty and uniqueness of black cats are highlighted in order for people to adopt them and appreciate them.

The event is normally advocated for through sharing pictures of black cats on social media and using the hashtags #BlackCatAppreciationDay and #BlackCatsRock. This is a way of spreading awareness from the comfort of one’s home.

10. Black Cats are Extremely Playful 

As much as they are known as mysterious and intense cats, they are also very energetic in nature. They are known for enjoying interactive playtime and chasing toys as well as leaping around. Even though playfulness is almost all domestic cats, black cats just have a unique sense of playtime.

Over the years, the myths surrounding black cats have varied from being symbols of good luck to being the representation of witchcraft. However, it should be noted that these myths are based on the belief of people and not reality.

Black cats are very affectionate and loving they are just like every other cat the only difference is the color of their fur. Black cats are among the greatest pets to have. Depending on the breed, they can be loving and gentle as well as peaceful. It should be noted that black cats can adapt to any environment and are perfect for busy owners.

Click here to read more about the fascinating facts about cats.