Whether consciously or not, most of us either consider black cats to be a sign of bad luck or are at least aware of the stereotype. With this notion in mind, and having reached the Spooktacular month of October, we thought we’d investigate where this idea originates and try to discover the truth about our black feline friends.
Type Casted?
Before we investigate the genesis of black cats’ ominous reputation, a quick look at three black cat icons from pop culture certainly reinforces their mystique:
Salem - Salem, or Salem Saberhagen to be exact, is a 500 year old witch who is serving a 100 year sentence of living as a cat after his attempt for world domination was thwarted.
Lucifer - A major antagonist in the Disney classic Cinderella, Lucifer is a cunning cat who often acts hostile towards Cinderella and her mice companions, using any means necessary to make her life more difficult.
Lucinda - In the 2005 film reboot of the original tv series Bewitched, the featured feline is Lucinda, a black tortoiseshell cat owned by Nicole Kidman’s character Isabel who is, you guessed it, a witch!
Whether by mysterious actions or affiliation with costars of the occult, it sure seems that these black cats of Hollywood fit the mold, but why does this negative bias about black cats exist to begin with?
Going Way Back
Back to my promise of investigating where the mystery surrounding black cats originates, let’s take a trip in the time machine back to where the story begins…
While I wasn’t able to identify a direct record, or certainly a living witness, apparently the entire mystique surrounding black cats began when a black cat was seen running into a house believed to be inhabited by a witch. Although this event is said to have occurred in early 13th century Europe, the early settlers of colonial America brought the association with them across the Atlantic. In Salem, MA, black cats were frequently killed (often burned at the stake) alongside those people thought to be witches.
Not So Fast!
Before we accept the notion that black cats are sure signs of bad luck to come, let’s look at some instances in which other cultures view black cats in a more positive light:
- For all those looking for love in Japan, seeing a black cat is said to increase your chances.
- In parts of England, a bride will have luck in her marriage if she receives a black cat as a gift.
- In Europe, sailors will have a safe journey if they bring along a black cat on the ship.
- For all the Scots out there, never shoo away a black cat from your porch as it signals coming prosperity.
- If you happen to see a black cat while sojourning in France, expect something magical to happen.
- Black cat parents in both Asia and the U.K. can expect to be lucky in life.
A Final Word
Whatever the reason, black cats find themselves less likely to be adopted than other felines. The truth is that, like any pet, black cats can be amazing additions to a family and deserving of living healthy and happy lives.
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