Debunking the Black Cat Myth

Friday, July 13, 2012 - 10:45am
Black Cat

Black cats have never had it easy. In fact, they have long been considered bad luck and unfairly linked to witchcraft for centuries. With it being Friday the 13th, we think it’s the perfect time to put some common assumptions about black cats to the test.

Black Cats Bring Bad Luck
False. In reality the color of a cat's coat has nothing to do with good or bad luck. And just for the record, in many other cultures, a black cat is a prized pet. In places like Japan and the British Isles, they’re even thought to bring their pet parents good luck!

Black Cats Are Evil
False. Sure they may jump on the kitchen counter or use your favorite chair as a scratching post. And just maybe they even try to nibble your toes while you sleep. All cats can be playful. But evil? We think not.  

Black Cats Are Often Unwanted
True. Ask any shelter or rescue worker and they will tell you—black cats are the hardest to get adopted. In fact, they are only half as likely to find homes as other cats. So, what’s the problem? An unfairly earned reputation? Yep.   

Black Cats Make Awesome Pets!
True. Black cats may get a bad rap, but really they're just as lovable as the next furry feline. So help us turn their luck around.Share this article with your friends, and consider adopting one of the cuties currently available at the ASPCA Adoption Center!  

Tags: 
Adoption
Cats
Pet Care

Comments

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:12 — Jennifer (Visitor)
I've had my black cat, Skiba, for five years now and have had nothing but great luck with her. I adopted her when she was six months old and she's been my princess ever since. I love her with all my heart and see no reason why black cats should not be adopted just as easily as any other cat. She has a stunning personality, a beautiful shiny black coat, and a loving heart. I don't know what I'd do without my little girl.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:13 — Adrian Jurkiw (Visitor)
Please don't let silly superstitions deny a living cat a nice home. Give them a chance, I think they'll surprise you for the better.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:17 — Kat (Visitor)
My best friend adopted a black cat from the Humane Society four years ago. Pandora is a chubby, silly, somewhat dimwitted (it's part of her charm!), adorable ball of fluff. Her black fur is the best - when she's sleeping you can't even tell where her face is until she opens her eyes; she's invisible in the dark; she's like a ninja! She's the greatest and it saddens me that people would avoid adopting a wonderful cat like P because of silly, outdated superstitions.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:17 — Jennifer H (Visitor)
Perhaps in the past... Like... decades ago, but I can't believe that anyone would judge a cat on the color of its fur. I mean... For the most part we're beyond racial profiling... Why would anyone judge a cat that same way? I, for one, absolutely adore black cats. Though its hard to find a pure black cat so I have a tuxedo cat. They're just as sweet, mischievous and cuddly as all the other cats. And just as loyal if you treat them right. Cats are excellent pet companions.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 13:32 — mysterysocks (Visitor)
Yes they do. My three best friends think they are evil, and so do countless others at my school.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 20:34 — Silvercat151 (Visitor)
I'm having trouble believing you but if you mean what you say: 1. No animal is evil. Cruelty, ignorance and mistreatment by people can make them defend themselves though 2. Color has no significant bearing on any animal's temperament 3. Learn to think for yourself. Relying on the stupidity of others is a big mistake 4. What do they teach you at your school? 5. Grow up soon

Sat, 08/11/2012 - 17:44 — Tenia (Visitor)
it still happens sadly, i was walking my black cat Sabrina today and a woman totally flipped out and yelled at me to get away from her and to take my cat away. i got really hurt because Sabrina is so sweet and smart we often play fetch and she seemed so confused at the yelling lady whats worse is she is also dark brown with white flecks and if that woman had paid closer attention she would have seen the mistake in her judgement.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:32 — Brittney (Visitor)
I was the proud owner of a black cat for almost 18 years. She was my first cat and a rescue. Bad luck was the last thing she ever gave me. She was too busy showering me with her unconditional love. If more people gave them a chance, they would realize how silly this superstition is.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:34 — Pam Rucker (Visitor)
We have had a number of cats over the years, my black cat Lui was by far the the love of my life. Miss him!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:35 — Elise (Visitor)
Thank you so much for posting this today!!! Black cats are the BEST!!! My first kitty, Mandy, was a black cat and she was the sweetest kitty ever! I loved her to death and hope I can one day have another wonderful, black cat, like she was! If you ask me, I think she was good luck! Hopefully one day we can do away with stupid beliefs like "black cats bring bad luck" because these kitties did nothing wrong to get their beautiful black coats <3

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:35 — Brett R (Visitor)
I loved my black cat Loki...whenever I came home at night from work he would always run out of the wood beside my house to greet me and come inside to sleep... just really sad i had to give him away since i was unable to keep him...its like losing a best friend after 8 years...

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:36 — Justine (Visitor)
Black Cats Are Often Unwanted This is precisely why I LIKE black cats. I too have often been misjudged by my 'cover'. Ask any shelter or rescue worker and they will tell you—black cats are the hardest to get adopted. In fact, they are only half as likely to find homes as other cats. So, what’s the problem? An unfairly earned reputation? Yep.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:38 — Audrie (Visitor)
Black cats are the best! Kema was my baby girl and the only pet in the house to TRULY accept the new baby when he got here. She would lay right by his legs and never do anything but purr and keep him warm. We lost her about six months ago and the hole in my heart still hurts. When I adopt another cat you can bet it will be a black one! One down side though...in the dark, they are all but impossible to see. Worth it? I think so!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:41 — Lisa (Visitor)
I actually have 2 black cats (completely by accident). They are cats, reguardless of color, they give love unconditionally, what more can I say. It is time that people put aside the old Wives Tales and Suspicions and become educated adults. GROW UP!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:41 — Jeffery W. Porter (Visitor)
I have two black cats. One has two different colored iries! they have never been bad luck to me or anyone. simply silly

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:41 — Bruce Bromley (Visitor)
The only thing I worried about when I had black cat was tripping over him by accident in the middle of the night. I can't believe in this day and age some people still think that way.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:48 — Debbie Magnin (Visitor)
i have two black cats and they are wonderful and loving never an ounce of bad luck.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:51 — Debbie Magnin (Visitor)
people can be so stupid with such misconceptions no matter the color of a cat they are not bad luck.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 11:58 — Connie Moody (Visitor)
One of our nearby shelters is running a Black Cat Special today - All black cats are only $13 today!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 12:00 — Jessica (Visitor)
Black cats are gorgeous! I picked my boy Mercury out of a friend's unwanted litter BECAUSE he was the only black one. That was over 13 years ago now, I was 19 when I took him home and I'm now 32, married, with 2 kids. And he is still my big, happy, sweet little kitty man.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 12:09 — blue (Visitor)
I've had a black cat (or two) in my life since childhood, and they're nothing but amazing. My Rudy, recently departed, was my constant companion, he would follow me from room to room and sit next to me on the couch, with a paw extended or leaning against me. Always had to be touching. I have three cats now, one is black, and she, out of the three is the most affectionate, and social. This has NOTHING to do with the color of her coat, but it does prove that any crazy notions one has about a black coat being different or bad are unfounded.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 12:10 — Jenn (Visitor)
We love our tuxedo kitten, Guinness. He just has bits of white on his belly and feet. He's a mess, but we love him. I've never had a cat fetch mice or beg to be picked up like this little guy. All cats deserve our love, no matter their color!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 12:16 — Leah (Visitor)
We adopted our black cat from a shelter in 2003. Ranigans has brought so much joy to our family. Our little black cat is an angel.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 12:35 — crystal (Visitor)
ive had my black cat mudley for 4 years he one of my babies ive had some bad luck but because of him no way

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 13:00 — Allison Manzanares (Visitor)
I have 3 Black cats. they are amazing. i love black cats they know when im upset and they come to me and try to make me feel better. Its kinda like they are people to me because i can tell them things that i cant tell peole, But they can't take the place of my very first cat. Five, she was a black cat also ahe would have been 14yrs old this year but she was killed 3yrs ago on Friday the 13. so i really hate these days. people should be loving these cats not killing them.now every year i keep all my cats inside on friday the 13 even if they arent black.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 13:17 — lysa (Visitor)
I have 2 black cats and they are both very lovable. I don't believe in the bad luck junk. All they want is unconditional love and that's what they get. Female loves giving hugs and male just plops right down when you start petting him. Wouldn't trade them in for anything they are my babies.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 13:33 — marjorie (Visitor)
i have had black cats off and on my whole life and they have done nothing but love me play and bring good luck i have one now that is just to dang cute he walks like a bull dog and crys when he wants me to love on him so all the rumors abbout black cats being evil or bad luck is so false

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 13:35 — Gracey, The Tin... (Visitor)
My brother Mercy is a black cat. He is super lucky to have been rescued from the street and we are super lucky to have him as a member of our family. He has a sweet personality and we love him.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 13:37 — Casandra (Visitor)
I have had three wonderful black cats in my life. Each on was a rescue and was so loving. Midnight was my first and was the sweetest thing. Trick and Treat were adopted together. Such playful boys who could not love them?!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 14:10 — MT (Visitor)
We have two black cats, one big, silly and furry (Looks just like 'Bad Kitty' from the cartoon) with googly gold eyes, and the other is sleek, handsome, styish and speaks French (although he pretends he doesn't) with the sweetest personality ever. Both of them 'found' us and we couldn't be happier with them.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 14:16 — Jen (Visitor)
My black cat Ace is the sweetest, most laid back cat I've ever known. He's friendly to everyone that comes through our door. Bad luck? Bah! Ace is awesome!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 14:24 — Kate (Visitor)
I have a very sweet, intelligent and loving black cat who brought me great luck. About 2 weeks after getting him I met my future husband and we have been a happy family ever since! Black cats are beautiful and mine has been my best little buddy. I also saved a beautiful black cat from a feral life and she was the sweetest thing ever. Adopot all black cats!!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 14:31 — Izzie (Visitor)
I've had black cats all my life, and I willnever get any other type of cat. They truly are the best, I've never met sweeter, funnier, or more loving cats in my life! You can't go wrong with them, all they can do is bring you love. Adopt black cats!! They deserve to be loved!!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 15:08 — Tricia Tenpenny (Visitor)
A sweet and beautiful black cat named Chelsea kept me company for 19 years. She will always have a special place in my heart. People should not be judged by the color of their skin and cats should not be judged by the color of their coats.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 15:18 — Sherrie (Visitor)
I am the proud momma of TWO black cats. If we had our own home we would probably have another. I love...LOVE....LOVE black cats and will adopt them every time!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 15:49 — Lucy (Visitor)
We actually prefer black cats; we have 3. My husband found our two older brothers while demolishing a house & we adopted our little girl fro the local HS. all 3 have been nothing but a joy! We don't believe in superstitions to begin with. I was born on Friday the 13th & hubby & I chose to be married on Friday the 13th as well!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 17:32 — Sam (Visitor)
my black cat is soooo sweet he is sleek smooth and quite the looker!! ;) he is really rare and my mom found him on the side of the road and we took him into our home! We got him 2 years ago and he still is on my lap right now! He is like most outdoor cats and he is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 16:16 — Mandi (Visitor)
My black cat was the first I've ever owned and he is my baby.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 16:41 — Kristine (Visitor)
I had my black cat Lucky for over 8 years...and he was THE BEST cat I've ever had. Super affectionate, loving...even played with the dogs :) I named him Lucky...because I was lucky to find such an amazing kitty. Unfortunatley he passed away a couple years ago :( But...if I ever get another cat, it will be a black kitty!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 16:47 — Emily (Visitor)
i know for a fact that black dogs and black cats are the last to be adopted, and that is just really unfortunate. i must have had at least 5 black cats, and i now also have a little black Pomeranian boy. all were rescues. coat color has nothing to do with it, people. it's all about your pet's personality. mine were all sweet-natured babies.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 16:51 — gwenp (Visitor)
I have adopted 2 black cats. The first lived to 17 years of age and had a beautiful, loving temperament. So after he died, I adopted the second black cat. To my delight, he has a similarly loving and beautiful temperament. I have yet to meet a black cat I didn't like.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 17:22 — Sam (Visitor)
i have the sweetest cutest little black cat in the world so I am positive that the rumors are false! Unless u r a mouse!!!!!!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 17:48 — Carie (Visitor)
My lil rescue black is the sweetest kitty I've ever owned. The only "bad" about her is how she likes to be within 2ft of my feet, so I have to be careful I don't trip on her. Otherwise, she is quite the lovey who lays on laps, loves to be held, and is super blissed out when she gets to go outside (she's also learned to say "out" ;)). She's not usually too bad of a shedder, either!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 18:33 — Sharon Kaye (Visitor)
We have a black cat that adopted us. It was just after Halloween last year, she showed up around home & seemed to want to stay. She was so loving & sweet. We fed her, she appeared to be starving. I immediately went out to buy cat food and brought her inside. We tried so hard to find her owners, using the local newspaper lost & found, posters in the neighborhood & Craigs list. It was so sad that no one was looking for this beautiful creature. As you can guess, we kept her and have never regretted 1 day since. She is beautiful, elegant and a wonderful loving pet. Please don't pass on black cats, I also have the "best" luck of most people I know!

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 18:49 — Rachael (Visitor)
Black cats were considered good luck by a lot of different Pagan faiths, thus in the eyes of early Christians they were "evil" and that's one of the reasons they got that nasty reputation. History Fact: If so many cats hadn't been killed during the "witch" burning times the Black Plague probably would have never happened, or at least would have been far less devastating (cats would have killed the disease carrying rats.) I have one cat who is mostly black and she's my baby, but my Mother's (rest her soul) cat was a black Bombay and she was the sweetest & most mellow cat I have ever met. One trick I've heard of for getting black cats adopted in shelters is to give them a "fun" name to get people to notice them. The most popular is "Jellybean".

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 19:04 — Amy (Visitor)
I have had three black cats and they have all been wonderful. In my opinion they have so much more personality than the others, and they love to talk to you. I have always looked for a black cat when adopting.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 19:18 — Stephanie (Visitor)
We have had our black cat for about 12 years and he is the sweetest baby ever, he is a big cat but has a cute itty bitty meow! He loves to be loved and will rub on you & he talks to me, we meow back & forth he is the only cat I've ever had do that.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 19:40 — Jennifer (Visitor)
I have two black cats that I have adopted and they are absolutely wonderful....one even LOVES to play fetch! It was this ridiculous superstition and the knowledge that it was harder to find homes for black cats that made me adopt them and I made sure my 11 year old son was fully aware of the reason why we would only be adopting adult black cats. I would love to have one more, but we can only have two pets in our apartment.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 20:09 — Louise (Visitor)
I have had 3 different black cats and they have all been lovable and playful. I am disappointed in people for adopting a kitten/cat because of the color of its fur. They all need a forever family. Please think of them as your next best friend.

Fri, 07/13/2012 - 20:10 — Kelly (Visitor)
I adopted my kitty cat from the Humane Society when she was 9 months old. Poor baby had been living in the shelter ever since she was a baby kitten; all her brothers and sisters had already been adopted. I guess people didn't want her bc she is a black kitty cat. Their loss, she is amazing. I hope that more people embrace these sweet pets and ignore all the BS about black cats and bad luck!

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