Today is National Black Cat Day! In order to fight the misleading reputation in the United States that black cats are bad luck, this annual celebration was created to spread awareness and appreciation. The idea that a black cat crossing your path is a sign of bad luck comes from old European superstitions, some linking black cats to witches. This superstition was only furthered by the presence of famous black cats such as Salem from the show Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Binx from Hocus Pocus.
However, many other cultures and countries consider black cats to be signs of good fortune. For instance, sailors used to keep black cats on board for good luck while 19th-century fishermen’s wives’ kept black cats at home to bring back their husbands safely. In Japan, they are believed to improve your love life and are often gifted to newlywed couples. In France, it was thought that if you released a black cat at a crossroad with five routes it would lead you to treasure.
Did you know there are 22 feline breeds that can feature black coats? That’s 22 amazing breeds to love!