National Black Cat Appreciation Day is Thursday, August 17. Black cats seldom get positive press even though they’re just as adorable as other cats. Let’s look at facts about black cats and why they deserve their own day.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY

Have you ever feared a black cat crossing your path? This is from ancient superstitions where people thought this meant bad luck. For many cultures and historical settings, black cats were actually meant for positive things.

Today, pop culture loves black cats. There’s the sarcastic Thackery Binx in “Hocus Pocus” and Salem, in “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” and we can’t forget the classic cartoon black cat, Luna in “Sailor Moon.” Black cats are seen as loyal companions, and this is what they were seen as in a lot of cultures in history too.

So, who’s to blame for this negative black cat spin? Superstition! But mostly because during the Middle Ages, people saw witches as shape-shifting black cats, and the damage was done. From then on, black cats were seen as evil entities for years and years to follow.

But not everyone sees black cats this way. In fact, black cats are actually welcomed by a lot of people. For some, a visit from a black cat means good luck, and for others, it meant prosperity or romance. Hey — in some cultures black cats are even worshiped.

So then why don’t people want to adopt black cats (or dogs)?  Researchers have identified three major reasons why.

1. People think black cats are less friendly and more aggressive.
2. People are superstitious and are afraid of them.
3. People think they can’t read the emotions of black cats which is why they are thought of as less friendly.

Researchers also found in anecdotal reports that people think black animals may be more difficult to photograph leading to less attractive listings or they may be looking for more photogenic cats.

Just for fun, let’s look at several popular superstitions about black cats and where they came from.

1. Black cats bring bad luck especially if they cross your path.
2. Black cats are witches in disguise. Witches can shapeshift and they take the form of a black cat to conceal themselves better at night. It was also believed that witches could transform into a black cat 9 times and this is likely where the idea of a cat having 9 lives came from.
3. Black cats are the devil in disguise. Starting in Europe in the Middle Ages, early Christians believed Satan would turn himself into a black cat to come out and torment people.

There are also some positive superstitions about black cats.

1. Prosperity will come to those who welcome black cats. In Irish folklore, there’s a tale about a fairy named Cat Sith who took the form of a black cat and would protect the harvests and bless the homes of people who fed it.  In Japan, cats are associated with the deity Maneki Neko; the “beckoning cat.”
2. According to an old tale, a man followed a black cat after he saw it wave to him. He soon found himself surrounded by many wealthy people who generously gave him money to restore his temple. Because of this story, cats have been associated with good fortune. Due to this superstition, some people place lucky cat statues in their homes or businesses to promote good fortune and profit.
3. Black cats are good omens for sailors. They believed if a black cat walked on the ship good luck would accompany the voyage. However, if the cat walked on, then off there was a superstition the ship would sink.
4. A black cat can mean good luck for a theater performance. The belief is that if a black cat appears on opening night the show will go on successfully and bring in lots of money
5. Black cats are good luck for love and marriage. In some places, such as Japan, Cornwall, and Wales, black cats are seen as sources of good luck especially for young, unmarried women. Some people believe that having a black cat in the house will help young women find a good husband and go on to have a loving marriage.

So you can go either way in your beliefs but a cat is a cat is a cat, wonderful human companions no matter what their color so if you’re looking for an new kitty for your home, on Black Cat Appreciation Day, go adopt a black cat.