Black Cats: Good Luck or Bad Luck?

People have been fascinated by black cats for centuries – and as a result many superstitions evolved throughout history and across cultures. Today, most people in America consider black cats – especially one that crosses your path – to be a sign of bad luck.

Gamblers are particularly wary of black cats. It is believed that if a black cat crosses your path on the way to a casino, you should turn around and go home as you are now marked for a run of bad luck. (I cannot help thinking that this last superstition was created by a gambler’s wife who purposely – and regularly – planted black cats in her husband’s path when he was off to squander the family fortune!)

So many Americans are superstitious about black cats that they have the lowest adoption rates. Shelters often must host special black cat adoption months and offer steep discounts on black cats as an extra incentive for someone to choose one over a tiger tabby or calico. However, October is usually avoided as the month to promote the adoption of black cats in an effort to discourage the frivolous use of “live Halloween decorations.”

That said, bad luck is not the only luck assigned to a black cat. There are numerous cultural superstitions where a black cat portends good luck. Here are a few examples:

In many Asian countries, owning a black cat today is considered lucky.
In England, a black cat is good luck – unless you live in Yorkshire and then it is deemed bad luck!
In Scotland, a black cat suddenly appearing on your doorstep is a sign of future prosperity.
In the 18^th and 19^th century in Northern Europe, a fisherman’s wife would actively seek out a black cat as it was believed it would ensure her husband’s return home safely after a fishing expedition.
In Japan, black cats are a sign of good luck. Many single women seek a black cat as this cat is believed to bring many suitors.
In ancient Egypt, the black cat personified the goddess Bast, and was believed to bring good fortune.

I find it fascinating that this one color of cat could portend bad luck in one culture while attract the precise opposite luck in another. What is it about the black cat that incites the human imagination in such extremes?

How do you react to a black cat crossing your path? Would you – or have you – adopted a pure black cat, or does superstition hold you back? Please share your stories and/or your superstitions about the mysterious black cat in the comments.

Read more: Blogs, Cats, Feline Muse, Halloween, Pets, black cats

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sonia M.

9:00AM PST on Mar 9, 2013

Superstitions are nonsense.Every cat deserves a good home

March 9
send a green star

Robert P.

1:21PM PDT on Oct 30, 2012

Good or bad luck are superstitions,middle age business!
Not related to the color of a living creature period

October 30
send a green star

Tony M.

1:21PM PDT on Oct 28, 2012

I recently lost my black cat of nearly 10 years. He was a great friend and we went through so much together. He was killed over a week ago by stray dogs. Ever since my luck has gone VERY sour! He was always my good luck charm.

October 28
send a green star

Rebecca P.

6:33AM PDT on Oct 26, 2012

For the past 16 years, I have shared my home with Whoopie Goldberg, a gentle, loving, bright, and precious black cat. She has been a joy. To be the recipient of all the love she has to give is good luck to the highest degree. The day that I walked into that shelter and found that sweet little ball of fur was a day when good fortune smiled upon me. As I write this, she is curled up on my lap purring away. After a while she will stretch, stand up with her paws on my shoulder, pat me on the cheek and search for a pool of sun to continue her nap. While they do not photograph well, when in the sun, their fur shines with every color of the rainbow.

For those who share their lives with black cats, PLEASE DO NOT LET THEM GO OUTSIDE DURING THE HALLOWEEN WEEK.

October 26
send a green star

Carol T.

7:51PM PDT on Oct 25, 2012

Thanks

October 25
send a green star

Nils Anders L.

2:31AM PDT on Oct 14, 2012

Thank you

October 14
send a green star

Elena T.

4:57PM PDT on Jul 16, 2012

To my mind, to find a cat of any color, who'll give you so much love and joy is a GREAT LUCK!!!

July 16
send a green star

Eric L.

3:19PM PDT on Jul 16, 2012

Bad luck just because of a color? Must be kidding.

Sheri S.

2:22PM PDT on Jul 16, 2012

Black cats are just as loving and wonderful as any Persian or Siamese or Heinz 57. There is nothing unlucky about them.

Sofia N.

1:29PM PDT on Jul 16, 2012

My life became 100 times better when my beautiful black Siamese mix Onyx (pictured left) came into my life. He's brought me more love, joy, peace, loyalty, companionship, laughs, and cuddles than anyone. My life improved since he rescued me. ;)~

It's a shame and so sad that till this day there is a stigma associated with black cats especially more than dogs. I heard/hear it all the time. You have a black cat? Are you a witch?

Really?.... Really Dude?..... Sigh.........