It struck me as profoundly unfair and peculiar: the noticeable neglect of black cats in shelters compared to their feline counterparts. Why were these ebony beauties, these gentle and whimsical creatures, so often overlooked? This puzzling reality ignited my curiosity, pushing me to seek answers. Was there a logical explanation for why these raven-haired fluffballs weren’t being scooped up for adoption?
To my astonishment, and frankly, a degree of disbelief, my investigation unearthed a deeply rooted and unexpected cause…one that stretches all the way back to the 13th century! Black cat superstitions. Delving into this phenomenon, I couldn’t help but think, “Seriously? Are we allowing these innocent felines to face euthanasia because of mere superstition?”
It simply defied logic. The more I pondered, the more resolute I became to adopt a black cat, regardless of any antiquated beliefs. But I felt compelled to do more than just adopt. I decided to challenge these baseless superstitions and help others recognize the incredible energy and magic that black cats possess…and perhaps, in doing so, save lives.
The narrative surrounding black cats is steeped in centuries of myths, legends, and unsettling superstitions. The majority of these negative associations trace back to the 13th Century, originating with a decree from the Catholic Church that inexplicably linked black cats to Satan. This marked the genesis of numerous superstitions and fears, most notably the enduring belief that a black cat crossing your path is an omen of bad luck. Even today, these magnificent creatures are unfairly branded as symbols of evil, harbingers of misfortune, and spooky Halloween icons.
Over time, black cats have unfortunately garnered a negative reputation, often unfairly blamed for unexplained occurrences. Consequently, they face greater difficulty finding homes in shelters, hindering their ability to share their unique energy and companionship with humans. Many are unaware of the origins of these tales and how this historical baggage negatively impacts these majestic “mini-panthers,” affecting both their chances of adoption and their overall well-being.
If you’re anything like me, you’re likely wondering, “Where did these superstitions even begin? Who started them? And why do these outdated beliefs still persist?” These are valid questions. Let’s explore the history of black cats to understand how they acquired this undeserved reputation.
The bond between humans and cats spans back to the earliest civilizations, and it’s worth noting that not all ancient cultures viewed them negatively. In fact, some of the earliest documented societies revered cats as divine entities, worshipping them with great respect. Ancient Egypt stands out, where domestic cats were considered symbols of good luck and were treated like royalty. National Geographic reports that cats were so highly valued that even accidentally killing one could result in a death sentence. However, the Egyptians weren’t alone in associating black cats with good fortune. According to Massachusetts Maritime Academy, British and Irish sailors believed that having a black cat onboard their ship would bring good luck to the voyage and all those sailing. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History even highlights Welsh folklore that associates black cats with bringing good luck to a home and possessing the ability to predict weather reliably.
Early connections between black cats and magic, particularly witchcraft, can be traced back to the Greeks, who linked them to Hecate. As the goddess of magic, sorcery, the moon, and witchcraft, Hecate provided fertile ground for the development of a sinister association. Over time, European folklore expanded upon this concept of magic and sorcery linked to cats, eventually portraying them as “familiars” – supernatural entities believed to assist witches.
By the Middle Ages, black cats were rapidly descending into a dark chapter of history that would jeopardize their very existence. On June 13, 1233, the Catholic Church issued the official document “Vox in Rama.” This document emerged amidst fears of malevolent cults in Germany and anxieties about the Pagan Church gaining influence. The History Collection explains that “Vox in Rama” detailed initiation rituals into alleged covens, which included paying homage to a black cat – specifically, kissing its posterior – a step purportedly leading to the emergence of the devil, whose lower body was described as cat-like and covered in black fur. These accusations against black cats fueled a swift escalation of fear. What began as a religious power play against the Pagan Church quickly morphed into an outright attack on black cats. Witchcraft accusations became a tool for settling personal disputes, and cats were frequently presented as evidence of individuals’ supposed connections to the devil. Consequently, countless cats, the exact number lost to history, were killed due to their association with witchcraft and the “Vox in Rama” declaration that deemed them “Vessels of the Devil,” as noted by The Great Cat.
This demonization of black cats was so extreme that it sparked near-ritualistic killings. The History Collection states that the act of killing a black cat was believed to possess the power to break spells. In Denmark, the season of Lent was centered around the idea that to usher in spring, all evil had to be purged. Since black cats were considered embodiments of evil, they were brutally beaten to death in attempts to eradicate evil. In other parts of Europe, such as France, black cats were burned alive to cleanse areas of evil, while in Belgium, they were tragically hurled from church belfries and then set ablaze during the “Kattenstoet” or “Festival of Cats.” While this festival continues today, thankfully, stuffed cats have replaced live ones. As a horrifying consequence of these widespread persecutions, Europe’s cat population plummeted significantly by the 1300s.
This wave of superstition followed black cats into the Middle Ages, where they were often targeted for killings. Ironically, these mass killings contributed to the spread of the Bubonic Plague. Black cats, instead of being recognized as natural allies in controlling rodent populations, were wrongly blamed for the plague itself and further persecuted. Unbeknownst to people at the time, these skilled nocturnal hunters could have played a crucial role in preventing the rapid spread of the disease by controlling the rats that carried it.
Tragically, the hysteria surrounding black cats did not remain confined to Europe. With the arrival of the Puritans in the New World and their settlement in Salem, the fear of black cats crossed the Atlantic. According to The History Channel, the escalating persecution of women accused of witchcraft fueled even greater fear and the burning of black cats. Owning a black cat became grounds for suspicion, leading to accusations of witchcraft, devil worship, or association with dark forces. The notion of black cats as “familiars” of witches solidified the belief that witches used cats for espionage and malevolent magic. The superstition that a black cat crossing one’s path brought bad luck emerged from the fear that the cat might be carrying out a witch’s task, or even worse, that it could be the devil in disguise. This fear persisted into the Renaissance, by which time it was widely believed that a black cat crossing your path was intentionally sent by a witch to inflict harm.
While “Vox in Rama” is rarely referenced today, black cats continue to suffer its lingering effects. Though the fear of witches has largely dissipated, and accusations of witchcraft are no longer a serious threat, black cats remain stigmatized as distant symbols of evil from that era, through no fault of their own! Pop culture and media perpetuate this image, portraying black cats as spooky sorcerers, from fictional characters like Salem Saberhagen in “Sabrina The Teenage Witch” to sports omens. In 1969, a black cat crossing the Chicago Cubs’ dugout during a crucial game was infamously blamed for the team’s loss. CBS News reported this event as another instance of bad luck brought by a black cat, a harbinger of misfortune.
This historical baggage has had a devastating impact on black cats. According to the National Library of Medicine%2C%20respectively.), black cats in shelters face the highest euthanasia rates among all cats, at a staggering 74.6%, and the lowest adoption rates, with only 10% finding homes. Even as kittens, black cats are the least likely to be adopted compared to kittens of other colors. This is particularly alarming because kittens overall have a significantly higher adoption rate (82%) compared to adult cats (1.5 years or older), who are adopted at a rate of only 60%. This combination of factors places black cats at a drastically higher risk of spending their entire lives in shelters or facing euthanasia. The odds are stacked against them, and the outlook for black cats finding loving homes is bleak.
Adding to this tragedy, superstitions and the undeserved negative reputation are major contributing factors. Furthermore, black cats can be more challenging to photograph, and their dark fur can make them blend into the shadows of often overcrowded shelters, putting them at an even greater disadvantage. This is heartbreaking because black cats possess their own unique and wonderful energy and personalities, yearning to share them with human companions, but they are rarely given the chance.
One of the most beloved black cat breeds is the Bombay, known for its sleek, sociable, playful, and intelligent nature – truly a miniature house panther with a distinctive look and personality. Bombay cats are unique in that their black coloring extends to the roots of their fur, they have a black nose, and even their paw pads are black. Adding to their allure is their signature pair of striking green eyes that resemble gleaming gemstones. They are social, affectionate, and fiercely loyal companions, often following their humans around like shadows and engaging in playful “conversations.” They adore playtime and cuddling with their human families – qualities that stand in stark contrast to the negative stereotypes of bad luck and evil they have been unfairly burdened with!
The Bombay is just one example of the many remarkable black cat breeds waiting in shelters, eager to demonstrate the joy and positive energy they can bring into your life.
It is crucial to help black cats not only by adopting them, reducing their risk of euthanasia, but also by actively dispelling the unfounded fears that plague them. However, responsible adoption is paramount. Before welcoming any cat into your home, ensure you understand the long-term commitment involved. Cats have an average lifespan of 15-20 years – a significant duration! Prior to adopting, confirm your ability to provide care for your pet throughout their entire life. This includes budgeting for veterinary care, medical treatments, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, health screenings, and emergency services. Consult with a local veterinarian to estimate these costs. Finally, assess whether you have sufficient time to dedicate to your new feline companion. It’s a common misconception that cats require minimal care or attention. While they are independent creatures, they are still living beings with needs. Ensure your work, social, and home life balance allows for dedicated time to spend with your pet, engaging in play and providing the interaction necessary to keep them active, happy, and healthy.
If adoption isn’t feasible at this time, there are still valuable ways to support black cats and all their feline friends in shelters! Most animal shelters are non-profit organizations reliant on volunteers. If you have a few hours to spare each week, consider donating your time. If volunteering isn’t possible, financial donations are always greatly appreciated. While in-kind donations are helpful, shelters often have specific needs. For example, while pet food donations are generous, shelters often have contractual agreements to feed animals specific diets and may not be able to use donated food. To ensure your contributions are most impactful, consider donating items that are consistently needed: cleaning supplies (bleach, dish soap, paper towels, laundry detergent), pet carriers, gently used towels and blankets, cat litter, litter boxes, cat trees, office supplies, newspaper, pee pads, toys, and, most importantly, monetary donations to enable shelters to purchase essential supplies, improve facilities, and cover veterinary expenses for animals in their care.
Black cats are poised for a comeback they never deserved to need. These affectionate and playful companions, found in 22 officially recognized breeds, possess spunky and delightful personalities. They symbolize resilience, perseverance, and overcoming unfair perceptions. From personal experience, I can attest to the immense joy and love they bring into life. Helping to debunk the superstitions they face and literally saving their lives is profoundly rewarding. The next time you visit a shelter or attend an adoption event, take a moment to pet a black cat – you might be surprised by the good energy and luck they bring into your life.
Sidney Trasser, a double major in graphic design and photography, served as Art Editor for Dateline. She is now a Brand Expression Designer at Procter & Gamble.
