Black cats sometimes experience negative treatment, especially during the month of October, and more specifically on Halloween. There are negative perceptions that have surrounded black cats for centuries. These negative perceptions are based on historical superstitions, myths, and legends of black cats bringing bad luck, being associated with witches, and possessing evil powers. However, in some parts of the world, black cats are actually a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Black Cat History and Myths
Negative views of cats originated in the middle ages. In this period, people were more likely to believe in myths, fables, and legends about any subject. But much of the folklore surrounding black cats associated them with witches. Black cats were thought to be the "familiars" of witches, which means that they were the spirits of witches in animal form. Some people even thought these cats were reincarnations of witches from past lives.
According to Ruth MacPete, DVM, in the October 2008 issue of Cat Fancy, the 17th century brought more abuse to black cats during the Salem witch trials. Since cats are nocturnal, they were thought to have supernatural powers and to have possessed evil powers. These perceptions led to the black cat superstitions that are still prevalent today.
Are Black Cats Good or Bad Luck?
Superstitious people within the United States will proclaim that black cats are bad luck. Some bad luck superstitions include a black cat crossing a person's path or coming onto a person's property. But in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, black cats are actually a symbol of good luck. Simply owning or touching a one is thought to bring good luck by superstitious people in the U.K.
Because of the association with black cats and bad luck, many animal shelters have difficulty finding good homes for these types of cats. Many shelters will often offer special incentives for adopting a black cat. However, shelters are very careful during the Halloween season not to adopt out black cats to people who want to harm them. Because of this, some shelters will hold a moratorium on black cat adoptions during the month of October.
Black Cats and Halloween Safety
It can be argued that the association between black cats and Halloween is a direct result of their association with witches and witchcraft passed down from the middle ages. In addition to witches, broomsticks, and ghosts, black cats are a big part of Halloween tradition. This association sometimes causes people to be cruel to cats during the Halloween season. The following are suggestions for keeping all cats safe during Halloween:
- Always keep the cats indoors.
- If there will be a Halloween Party or kids around, designate a special room or hiding place for the cat.
- If the cat is anxious, consider holistic remedies that can help reduce stress.
Halloween should be a fun time for children as well as adults. But for black cats, the Halloween tradition can often be a difficult and anxious time. It is important for cat owners to be aware of the possible dangers during the Halloween season and take the necessary precautions to keep their animals safe.
Reference
MacPete, R. (October 2008). Pumpkins, witches and black cats. Cat Fancy, 49.
Michele Whitney - Over 10 years of diverse professional experience, PhD candidate in Public Service with an undergraduate degree in Marketing and an MBA.
Join the Conversation