October has a unique feeling of fall, magic, and all things spooky. It marks the beginning of the long dark days of winter, and many people believe the veil between the spiritual world and the physical world becomes thinner. We celebrate the darkness all over the world and throughout history with events like Halloween, St. Michaelmas, and Dia de Los Muertos. We talk about the dead, the occult, magic, curses, and superstition. And of course, things pertaining to the black cat.
The Curse of the Black Cat
The black cat has many lives and have taken on many stories, both good and bad, throughout history and cultures. Stories that can get blurred between fact and fiction. In Western history, black cats have been looked upon as an evil omens, a spy of the devil, a companion of witches, or shape-shifting into witches themselves. The most infamous of curses is, that if a black cat crosses your path you will have bad luck.
Many Cultures Hold Cats in Very High Regard
Egyptian Goddesses
In ancient Egyptian mythology the cat goddess, Bastet, is a protector of women and their innocent children. There is great representation of the cat in ancient Egyptian history. Goddesses favored the black cats specifically for their grace and elegance.
English Fisherman and Sailors
Sailors and fishermen in certain areas of Europe considered a black cat good luck. When starting a sea voyage they would take them along for good fortune on their journey. The wives of these men would keep black cats as pets at home, believing that it would keep their husbands safe at sea and return them back home.
Good Fortune for your Love Life
In Japan it is believed that a single woman who owns a black cat will attract more suitors. In Great Britain’s English Midlands, a black cat is thought to be the perfect wedding gift, as they will bring good luck and happiness to the bride.
Modern Day Black Cats
Sadly, many people still believe in the curse of the black cat. Black cats have a lower rate of adoption in the US. Many shelters in America suspend adoptions of black cats around Halloween, afraid that they will be tortured or be used as “living decorations”. Other times of year some shelters will have “Black Fridays” giving deals on adoption rates for all black animals.
Why should you consider adopting one of these mystical creatures?
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health discovered that the genes that cause cats to have black coats may offer them protection from diseases. In fact, they are the same genes that offer HIV resistance to humans. So besides possibly being healthier and living longer, they are beautiful, mysterious, reverent powerful, and loving.
Have you ever had a black cat? Did they bring you luck? We’d love to hear your story!
My black smoke Norwegian Forest Cat with amber eyes was rescued as a kitten from the Worcester Rescue League in Massachusetts, they tattoo their animals when they are spayed, they deemed her a bit ‘feisty’ but I was up for the challenge, especially when I found a white hair on her – this ensured that she was not evil ;). I then moved to California and it became clear she was more than tattooed and feisty, she was feral. Coco is now almost 12 but has never chilled out, she is highly strung, easily displeased and moody. She has bonded with me over time and it is a successful domestication, but a feral cat is a very different cat guardian experience. All my other rescues were love bugs and while she does have her loving moments, she is more diva than doting and of course full of personality because of it – I wouldn’t want her any other way. As the blog indicated, she is so healthy and strong and in no need of vet visits, so she has definitely been my most robust cat ever and still looks and acts young…my family and friends are in agreement that she will likely live forever, and hope I do too because none of them think they are up for taking her on! From my experience, black cats are full of spirit and fascinating to share space with. 🐈⬛