7 Fascinating Facts About Black Cats

Black cats are controversial kitties. To adoring owners, they are lovable family pets with silky coats and endearing personalities.

For others, black cats are an unlucky symbol of black magic. The association between black cats and witchcraft, which began in Europe during the Middle Ages, persists today.

Whether you love black cats or cross the road to avoid them, there’s something special about these stunning creatures.

To celebrate these beautiful cats, we’ve put together seven fascinating black cat facts, including some of the top black cat breeds to consider for adoption.

What makes a black cat unique?

Black cats don’t all come from one specific breed. For example, your miniature panther may be a Bombay cat, an American bobtail, or a Maine Coon.

A pigment called eumelanin gives cats a distinctive dark coat. The gene pattern that causes eumelanin is dominant, which is why black cats are so common.

Some domestic black cats have spots or faint stripes on their coats that can only be seen in certain light. Others have white feet, bellies, or faces.

7 fun facts about black cats

Whether you think they’re witchy, a symbol of good luck, or a little of both, you may have your heart set on a black cat. Here are seven interesting facts you may not know about these bewitching cats.

1. Some cultures view black cats as good luck

Not everyone believes that black cats are spooky or dangerous. And many cultures celebrate black cats.

In Japan, cats are considered lucky charms, and black cats are especially lucky for single women looking for love. Japanese maneki neko dolls are cats, and the black one is believed to ward off evil spirits.

There is even a cat café in Himeji called Nekobiyaka that is dedicated entirely to black cats. It’s the only exclusively black cat café in the world, and the cats wear different colored bandanas so customers can tell them apart.

In Egypt, all cats are considered good luck. The ancient Egyptians worshiped the goddess Bastet, a figure with the head of a black cat on a woman’s body.

In Norse mythology, black cats are associated with Freya, the goddess of fertility and love. Freya’s chariot is pulled by two black cats.

2. Black cats may be more resistant to disease

Researchers discovered that the gene responsible for cats’ black fur (which is actually a very dark brown) is in the same family as a human gene involved in resistance to HIV.

Scientists believe that the evolution of melanism (having black fur) in so many different cat species indicates that black fur is connected to disease resistance and survival.

Not only are black cats potentially more resistant to diseases like the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, but they also have the benefit of camouflage. Their dark coats make it easier to hide, hunt, and evade predators at dawn and dusk, when cats are often active.

3. Beware “Black cat syndrome”

Black is a feline coat color many people still avoid. Despite their regal good looks, ‌black cat superstition means these cats have lower adoption rates than tabby varieties.

Almost twice as many black cats are left at rescue centers, and it takes them longer to be adopted, too. Black cats will take an average of 35 days to find a new home. Tabbies only wait 28 days.

To help change perceptions and find families for misunderstood kitties, many shelters are doing what they can to boost adoption rates. August 17 is National Black Cat Appreciation Day — it’s promoted as the perfect time to adopt.

4. A black cat’s fur can change color

A black cat’s coat can change from solid black to a reddish-brown color. This is called “rusting” (because the fur ends up looking rust-colored).

One of the most common causes is the sun. Much like humans whose hair lightens from sunbathing, the sun can have a bleaching effect on black cats’ fur, turning it from jet black to reddish brown.

Another reason a black cat’s fur might change color is a nutritional deficiency. Cats require the amino acid tyrosine to produce eumelanin, the pigment that creates black fur.

If a black cat has a tyrosine deficiency, their fur can change color. Tyrosine is found in animal proteins such as meat and fish, so the deficiency can be solved by adding more meat to the cat’s diet or using dietary supplements.

While rusting is most commonly caused by one of the above reasons, there is a possibility that it could be a sign of a more serious issue such as liver, kidney, or thyroid disease. Be sure to bring up changes in coat color at your next cat wellness visit.

5. Black cats have a history at sea

While black cats have a reputation for being unlucky, sailors had the opposite view.

Superstitious fishermen once brought black cats on sea voyages for protection. Even wives left behind at home adopted black cats to keep their partners safe.

There are different views on cats at sea. For example, some believe cats can give a sailor good luck. Others think cats can predict the weather, giving sailors the heads-up for hail, rain, or wind.

One black cat worth mentioning is Oscar, aka Unsinkable Sam. He survived three sinking vessels including the Bismarck, the HMS Cossack, and the HMS Ark, providing even more evidence that black cats are lucky.

6. There are plenty of famous black cats

With their striking appearance, it’s no surprise that Hollywood has embraced black cats over the years. You may be familiar with Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, a cult-favorite comic book and TV series.

Or, there’s the iconic Thackery Binx, who starred in the Hocus Pocus movie.

Black cats have also been featured in many cartoons as well. Felix the Cat is one of the originals, with his big eyes and enthusiastic smile that debuted back in 1919. Then there’s Sylvester, the cheeky kitty who is obsessed with chasing Tweety Bird in the Looney Tunes series, and Luna from Sailor Moon.

7. There are several cat breeds with black fur

According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), many breeds can have all-black fur.

Want to add a black cat to your household? Here are some of the most loved black cat breeds to consider:

Bombays

There’s only one cat that comes exclusively with a black coat, and that’s the Bombay. This breed is black all over, with solid black fur as well as black paw pads, noses, and whiskers.

Bombays are known for their athletic builds, short hair, and affectionate temperaments.

The Bombay cat was first bred by Nikki Horner in the late 1950s. She wanted to create a cat that looked like a tiny version of a black leopard, with a sleek all-black shorthaired coat and bright yellow eyes. She bred Burmese with American Shorthairs and eventually, she succeeded in creating the Bombay.

Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex cats come in a variety of colors, including all-black. The Cornish Rex is a rare breed, and they are often chosen for their allergy-friendly coats and unique looks.

These cats have a reputation for being friendly and affectionate. They can also be chatty, energetic, and playful.

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a pedigree breed that comes in a range of patterns and colors, including black.

Related to European working cats, American Shorthairs first landed in the U.S. in the early 1600s. They’re known as independent felines who enjoy downtime after playtime.

Manx

The Manx cat breed is another unique choice for black cat lovers. As the result of a mutation, they either have no tail or a small stub tail.

It’s one of the oldest cat breeds, hailing from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. They arrived in the U.S. in the early 1900s.

The Manx can be any common cat color, including black. Sometimes they will be all black with white faces.

American Curl

The American Curl gets its name from its unusual, curled ears. They are one of the newest black cat breeds, with origins dating back to 1981.

Once again, this breed comes in a few colors. But if you’re looking for a lucky charm, you can find them with solid black coats.

Black cats are unique pets

Black cats are striking with their shiny coats and glowing eyes. But these unique cats have a mixed reputation. Depending on your culture, they may be a symbol of good luck or tied to magic and mystery.

Cultural beliefs aside, all black cats deserve to live the longest, healthiest life possible. With Pumpkin Cat Insurance, you can make sure your kitty has the best care possible when accidents or illnesses occur in the future.

Black cat FAQs

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