Debunking 3 Black Cat Myths
October is National Black Cat Awareness Month, and CatCon’s dedicating our blog to #blackcatfriday every Friday this month. Some of our best and most beautiful kitty friends are black cats, so we’re taking the opportunity to debunk some of the negative myths that have surrounded these gorgeous house panthers over the years.
(Image above courtesy Pixabay)
#1: Black cats are bad luck
Depending on your part of the world, black cats are viewed as either bad luck or highly auspicious. In North America, some consider it bad luck if a black cat crosses your path. Conversely, in Asia and the U.K., black cats are considered quite lucky.
Black cats are often seen as less adoptable because of the “bad luck” rap, which we think is ridiculous. Many people solely adopt black cats to ensure them a loving home. As far as we can tell these black cat lovers below don’t seem to be plagued with bad luck!
Yes, that is George Clooney! Image courtesy Ranker.com
Ian Somerhalder and friend. Image courtesy Ian Somerhalder Foundation
#2: Black cats are evil
In the Middle Ages, black cats were seen as witches’ familiars and some even believed them to be witches incarnate. During the days of the witch hunts, many innocent people were killed because of their association with black cats. At one time, cats were even synonymous with Satanism and were ordered to be killed on sight. What?? Thank goodness times have changed quite a bit, although cats are still associated with Halloween and witches. Some shelters are still cautious when adopting black cats during the Halloween season because of a history of abuse around that time; however, according to the Humane Society of the United States, “The sheltering community has shifted from rigid standards to welcoming all potential adopters and using conversational interviews to counsel them about prospective new pets and screen out those with nefarious motives. Some shelters have swung to the other side of the pendulum, promoting black (and orange) cat adoptions in October.”
0% evil, 100% cute! Image via welovecatsandkittens
#3: Black cats aren’t flashy
Black cats are sleek, gorgeous animals, but — believe it or not — some people don’t adopt them because they think they aren’t as attractive as kitties with patterned or other-colored fur. Some also say that in shelters, black cats don’t stand out as distinctly as other potential adoptees, and they can be difficult to photograph.
Ready for my closeup! Image courtesy Pixabay
Certainly, with black cats, lighting and background are key in order to achieve a stunning photo — but it’s absolutely worth it because black cats are truly stunning and as full of personality as any other cat.
Cher’s Dark Lady album cover.
Breaking Down Stigmas
But don’t just take our word for it. We asked our Facebook followers to post pictures and stories about their black cats, and here’s what some of them said:
Sarah L.: “Gizmo is the most patient, good-natured cat I’ve ever met. He even kisses your forehead on command!”
Phylicia D.: “Patiently awaiting for our new baby….They said black cats are hard to adopt out.. he’s the most gentle, quiet, relaxed, happy, slightly crazy at random times type of cat. Life would be incomplete without him.”
Christine M.: “He walks on a leash, which is unique. This guy is loud, obnoxious, sweet, funny and secretly loves to cuddle, hard. He does what he wants when he wants and doesn’t take kindly to being told no. We think he’s happy with us though. We weren’t looking to add another fur baby into our lives, but he choose us…”
Image courtesy Pixabay
Join the conversation on Facebook and tell us your black cat adoption story. We’ll feature fan stories and pictures in a future #blackcatfriday post!