With Halloween around the corner, there are witches and black cats everywhere. Whether they’re on cute decorations or fun trick-or-treat bags, there is always an increase in the amount of merchandise featuring black cats. As a mom to a black cat, I love the Halloween season just for this reason. I’ve run into multiple people who are also black cat owners who also love the increased attention that our furry friends get in stores during this holiday.
I know what some people are thinking at this point– isn’t Halloween bad for black cats? This is actually a common misconception. A big rumor in the animal lover community is that shelters will not sell black cats during October due to animal abuse being done to black cats during holiday rituals. This is actually not true, but just a legend that has been passed on. In fact, many untrue things get passed on through generations, like the idea that black cats are bad luck, but I’m here to say that isn’t true.
While the black cat is not an official breed, the coloring of a cat can be black in 22 breeds. This coat may seem to be dark enough to possibly make your cat into a black hole that is living in your house, but in the sunlight black cats’ coats come alive. What was once a pure black coat can transform into a beautiful dark rust or chocolate color with stripes and spots appearing with the simple ingredient of sunlight making black cats the most mystical beings on Earth.
Culturally, black cats are considered to be good luck in Egypt. Because of their resemblance to Bastet, the Egyptian Goddess of protection and bringer of good health, black cats were supposed to be an embodiment of Bastet and were treated as Goddesses in Egypt. In fact, all cats were worshiped in Egypt, but the black cat was considered to be the closest to the Gods.
In Japanese culture, black cats are considered to be a sign of prosperity and wealth. Many believe that single women of marrying age should have a black cat to help attract potential suitors. Along with this, a single woman who has a black cat will only attract men that embody the same attributes as the black cat meaning she will find wealthy suitors.
In England, a black cat is considered to be the perfect wedding gift to a new bride. They are said to bring happiness and good luck to the marriage.
Personally, my black cat has given me so much more than I could have ever asked for. I adopted my cat during my senior year of high school when my life had fallen apart. After losing a close friend and getting involved in an unhealthy relationship, my cat was my good luck charm. He helped me to laugh again after my loss, and he even helped me get out of my relationship in a way. He helped me make friends during my first year at college and made me get out and explore by going on walks down to the beach together when my depression got to its worst. He even helped lead into a conversation with a guy who I hope to spend the rest of my life with.
While I disagree with the notion of black cats being bad luck, I do agree with the idea that they are magical and should be associated with the most mystical day of the year. Halloween is the “purrfect” time to celebrate these magical creatures that live among us.
HCXO, Charlotte
P.S. October 27th is National Black Cat Day!