Why Are Black Cats Considered Bad Luck?
Go to any store selling Halloween decorations and I guarantee will see a black cat looking scary somewhere. Have you ever wondered what the deal is? Why are cats 'bad luck' and associated with Halloween?
Turns out, black cats were considered a symbol of bad omens or being part of the which family. They claimed witches transformed themselves into black cats in order to prowl streets unobserved. So unless you still consider witchcraft a thing or believe humans can change themselves into animals then you can stop believing black cats are bad luck. That age old tale is over and they actually are even considered lucky in Australia and a few other countries.
Here are some amazing black cat facts that will most hopefully change your view on this so-called 'spooky' pet!
1. They can rust.
Well, if they sit in the sun too long their fur changes to a reddish dark brown. They call this 'rusting'. It usually goes back to normal black once the cat's melanin levels return to normal levels. This likely happens with outdoor cats or window lovers.
2. They are super cats.
According to research, black cats tend to have a higher resiliency against illness and diseases.
3. They have fire eyes.
These cats have so much melanin that it causes their irises to be golden/yellow!
4. They are not bad luck!
Hug a black cat this month !
Sorry, I only sent me previous comment once but it has posted twice.
I have a black cat Bennelong, a rescue who was a 5 weeks old stray, and is now 9, and my partner has two black British short-hair pedigree cats, brother and sister, Maxine and Merlin, who are nearly 17. They each weigh nearly 8 kgs and they have stunning orange eyes, love to go out in the rain, as they have double coats, so their skin doesn’t get wet.
They never catch birds, in fact birds sit near them and they take no notice.
My Bennelong has ADHD and it took years for him to calm down slightly. He was respectfully called after the Aboriginal warrior Bannelong, and also after the former PM John Howard’s seat, Bennelong, which he lost in the 2007 election, when Benny was born. This name also links to my surname, same as John ‘s.
My other cat Mimika is a blue girl, she has been picked on by Benny ever since we got her, but now stands up to him. She’s my favourite cat as she is the best one I’ve ever had.
We all put up with Benny but he does have some redeeming features, he is a good purrer, is a talker, which I love, sits with me for company, and also has an amazing glossy coat. I’ve always loved black cats, have had another called Jet who was a lovely boy. And Squeak, who was my first cat.
For about the past 20 years I have always had a black cat in my clan, first Buster and his sister Dolly, then Riley, who seemed to be the sweet incarnation of Buster. All were so friendly and playful, just seemed to be more good-natured than other cats I have had, tho I do love them all, Miss them all so much!
A very rough looking black cat showed up in my back garden and would cautiously lounge about and watch the comings and goings of our family but never could be coaxed for a visit. Eventually, I sat out a bowl of food for her and she would cautiously come to eat it but of course, if you made the least movement she would run. I would sit and speak gently to her as she ate and she eventually let me pet her! She was really mangy and dirty and appeared to have a broken tail as when I lifted it up, it wouldn’t stay. But she loved the food and the attention and it got to be a daily thing for her to come have some food and pettins from me. That is, until the neighbourhood alpha female, Chloe, decided that Bastet was still too close to her patch and ran her off :( I was afraid to know what may have happened to poor Bastet but one day a black cat stopped in her tracks beside my window. She sat and looked up and I talked to her. Eventually she walked away and this kitty walked away, dragging her tail behind her. I knew it was Bastet! She did look cleaner and healthier so I surmise that she has a family to care for her now. She is one lucky little black cat, indeed!
CJ Schepers commented about spellcheck – true but if the wrong word is spelled correctly that won’t help. Someone needs to EDIT these posts and after a year UPDATE these posts. Honestly! Otherwise, good article. I’ve had a black cat and they are sweet!
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