search
date/time
Yorkshire Times
Weekend Edition
frontpagebusinessartscarslifestylefamilytravelsportsscitechnaturefictionCartoons
1:00 AM 31st October 2024
family

Why We Should Ditch The Myths About Black Cats This Halloween

 
photo supplied by Catit
photo supplied by Catit
Black cats have long been iconic symbols of Halloween. When you think of a fairytale witch on her broomstick, chances are she’s got a black feline by her side. And of course, there’s the old superstition about black cats crossing your path.

But black cats aren't bringers of bad luck — far from it. With their glossy coats and bright eyes, they're certainly no less lovable and cute than any other type of cat. But even in the modern age, superstitions continue to have serious re-purr-cussions for black cats, causing them to be passed over in shelters. The phenomenon is so common it even has a name: black cat syndrome.

But where did these myths come from? In this article, Catit will debunk the folklore and explain why black cats make wonderful pets at Halloween and beyond.

What is black cat syndrome?

Black cat syndrome is the name given to the phenomenon of black cats being adopted from shelters less frequently than cats of other colours. According to the RSPCA, black cats have to wait three times longer to find their forever home compared to other, more colourful, felines.

It's thought that black cat syndrome stems from the (incorrect) belief that black cats bring bad luck, as well as the perception that they’re less photogenic or don’t stand out as much in shelters.

photo supplied by Catit
photo supplied by Catit
Why are black cats seen as unlucky?

In northern Europe, superstitions around black cats can be traced back to the Celts. In Scottish and Irish mythology, the cat-sìth was a large black cat with a white chest spot believed to steal souls by passing over corpses before burial.

This legend was taken so seriously that watches, called Fèill Fhadalach, were organised to guard bodies from the cat-sìth. People would distract the legendary cat with catnip and games, and avoid lighting fires in the same room as the body in case the cat-sìth was drawn to the warmth. On a more positive note, the cat-sìth was also said to bless homes that left out milk on Samhain (Halloween night).

Much later, in the Middle Ages, black cats came to be associated with witchcraft throughout England and Scotland. As paranoia about witches spread, it was thought that witches could turn themselves into black cats at night to carry out their evil deeds under the cover of darkness. This likely led to the superstition that black cats crossing your path brings bad luck. This belief may have stemmed from the fact that cats are crepuscular, meaning they tend to be more active — and therefore more visible — around dusk and dawn.

Social media: a modern curse?

In the age of TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, many pet owners love showcasing their beloved cats online. However, some people seem to think that black cats don’t photograph as well as lighter-coloured ones, making them appear less cute on social media. This misconception might be one reason black cats are often overlooked for adoption, despite being just as lovable and photogenic as any other feline.

photo supplied by Catit
photo supplied by Catit
Why black cats are actually amazing

Of course, no-one should choose a cat based on how many likes it might garner on TikTok or Instagram. But even so, it's a myth that black cats don't photograph well. With their glossy coats and vibrant eyes, black cats can make very striking meow-dels, as popular cat-fluencers like @Purrcival and @clementine_meows go to show.

And as for black cats being bad luck — that's not true either. In fact, in many cultures around the world, black cats are seen as lucky omens. In Japan, all cats are thought to bring luck, and black cats are no exception to this. This belief dates back to the Edo period, when a samurai seeking shelter from a storm was guided to a temple by a friendly black cat. Even today, black maneki-neko (beckoning cat) statues can be found in Japanese shops, bars, and businesses, symbolising prosperity and success.

Having a darker coat could even give black cats an evolutionary advantage over lighter cats. Their dark coats give them great camouflage at night, making them excellent stealthy explorers. Plus, short-haired black cats are easy to groom.

While all cats have their own unique personalities, some cat owners also claim that black cats have relaxed, sweet, friendly and clever dispositions, making them ideal companions.

"It’s really sad that so many black cats may be missing out on forever homes because of old superstitions about the colour of their fur. Ask any black cat owner, and they’ll tell you that black cats make amazing pets. Once you've adopted one, you can't imagine life without them!

"Some people worry black cats aren’t as photogenic as others, but that’s just not true: they can look stunning in photos. For an Instagram-worthy shot, try turning off the flash to capture their features better. Natural daylight works wonders, especially if they’re in front of a light-coloured background.

"Want to make the photo session easier and more fun for you both? Bribe your cat with some tasty treats or catnip spray, or use their favourite toy to grab their attention and get them to look at the camera."
Paul Trott, UK Marketing Manager at Catit


Forget the spooky superstitions: black cats are just as sweet and lovable as any other feline, and many are waiting in shelters for their forever homes. If you’re thinking of welcoming a cat into your family, check out these seven heartwarming black cat adoption stories to learn more about why these animals make such wonderful companions. They certainly have a fascinating history behind them, as well as lots of love to give.