Little Known Facts about Black Cats

Black cats have more lore around them than any superhero or fantasy series combined. With dark hair and glowing eyes, they have made their mark on history. Here are some more known- and some lesser known- facts about these sweet creatures.

Good luck

The superstitions around black cats began in the Middle Ages in Europe. But for thousands of years, black cats have been considered great luck all around the world!

In early 20th century Europe, it was considered a good omen to have a black cat on a ship. Not only would the cat help the crew get rid of any stowaway mice and rats, they believed that the cat’s tail could predict bad weather and help steer their ship to safety. One of the most famous ship cats was named Oscar. He sailed on the Bismarck, a German battleship. In 1941, the ship sank- but Oscar survived and was renamed Unsinkable Sam. Later, he survived another shipwreck and was promoted to a job on land.

In Japan, black cats are a symbol of safety and prosperity. This belief dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). There is a tall tale of a samurai who was stuck in a terrible storm until a black cat led him to refuge in a temple nearby. This ancient story created reverence for black cats that Japanese people still hold until today.

In ancient Egypt, black cats were considered creatures of the divine. They are prominent in hieroglyphics, on obelisks, and in other forms of Egyptian art. And they were often mummified with people as protectors in the afterlife. Anthropologist Monique Skidmore explains, “This meant that the deceased person could inhabit the body of the mummified cat in the afterlife”. Egyptian royalty would often dress their cats up in gold finery and let them eat off their plates. This trickled down to the masses. Even though cats originated in their society as pest control, they grew into these glorified sidekicks both in life and death. 

In the performing arts world, black cats are a strong sign. On opening night, if you see a black cat in the theater, it’s believed your play will have an epic run!

Coffee and champagne

Over the years, black cats have inspired some very unique drinking establishments.

Le Chat Noir, the first modern cabaret in the Montmartre district of Paris, was the place to be at the end of the 19th Century (from 1881-1897). Legendary artists such as Claude Debussy and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec frequented this bohemian establishment.

Today, on the other side of the world in the Japanese castle town of Himeji, you can visit the first all-black cat cafe. At Nekobiyaka, you can relax, have a coffee or a cocktail and play with the sweet black cats. And if you really fall in love with a particular one, you can talk to the staff about adopting them!

Famous felines

There are so many, but here are some of the iconic black cats from stories, film and TV:

Salem

Much more than a side character from Sabrina the Teenage Witch. This 500-year-old witch trapped in a cat’s body has a whole lot of personality and so, so many opinions.

The Black Cat

From one of Edgar Allen Poe’s most famous short stories with the same name. After a man loses his mind and kills his cat, it comes back to haunt him.

Sylvester

This animated feline is always on a mission to catch Tweety Bird (who’s a boy, by the way). His black hair, white belly, red nose, and dramatic facial expressions made him a star of the Looney Tunes universe.

Luna

With the signature crescent moon on her forehead, this talking cat is a mentor and guardian for Sailor Moon in the anime of the same name.

Figaro

Originating in the animated movie Pinocchio, this tuxedoed cat was Geppetto’s beloved fluffy friend. He also pops up in other Minnie Mouse cartoons beyond the movie!

Black Cat Zoning Out

This meme was all over TikTok in 2023. Originally posted by @vivizirumugireo, this short video became the easiest way to say you’re not paying attention.

Disease resistant

Because of melanism (i.e. having a black coat), black cats may be less likely to come down with certain illnesses. Research done at the U.S. National Cancer Institute in Maryland studied a few specific genes in these cats that are related to preventing serious diseases. That black coat may in fact be an evolutionary advantage!

In rhyme

There are quite a few songs starring black cats. Some bangers include:

“Black Cat” by Janet Jackson

“My Favorite Black Cat” by Lebanon Hanover

“Gato Preto” by Gangue Morcego

“Black Cat” by Mayday Parade

“Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” by David Bowie 

“Black Cat” by Black Pumas

Magic beings

Black cats have been linked to the magical realms for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks connected them to Hecate, the goddess of magic and spells. Over the years in Europe, black cats were interlinked with sorcery and became known as “familiars”. Familiars were supernatural beings that were known to assist witches and warlocks. Nowadays, especially around spooky season, witches and black cats go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Yellow eyes

Part of what makes black cats seem so magical are their glowing eyes. But why do so many cats have yellow eyes? This is due to the amount of melanin they have. Because of their dark coat, they tend to have golden irises. But not every single black cat has sunshine eyes. Some have blue, hazel, green or dual-tone peepers. There are specific breeds who do have that classic black coat and golden eye combo, such as Bombays and Korn Jas. 

Special Holidays

August 17: Black Cat Appreciation Day

This social media holiday in honor of black cats was started for a few reasons: to celebrate black cats, to debunk myths about them, and to help more black cats get adopted.

October 27: National Black Cat Day

This national holiday has similar goals to the appreciation day in August (sharing love and facts about black cats). Plus, it’s the spooky season, when black cats are top of mind for Halloween lovers!

Low adoption rates

There is sadly a “black cat bias” in a lot of animal shelters. According to studies done on coat color and adoption rates, it was clear that shelters may need to put more effort into finding black cats loving homes. There’s naturally a spike in interest every year around Halloween, but throughout the year, black cats are at risk of being euthanized if not adopted for too long. 

Black cat breeds

Some of these breeds are famously always black, while some can come in a midnight onyx shade:

American Curl

Bombay

British Shorthair

Japanese Bobtail

LaPerm

Lykoi

Maine Coon

Norwegian Forest Cat

Persian

Sphynx

Turkish Angora

There’s nothing more powerful than the attention of a black cat. To show them how much you love and respect them, you can stay on top of their health. With Animalia Pet Insurance’s cat insurance, you can make sure you’re covered and they stay strong.