Black cats appear in the folklore of many more cultures as both good and bad omens. In some European folklore, black cats are considered common companions of witches and bringers of misfortune if they happened to cross your path.
Black Cat Symbolism
“A black cat symbolizes mystery and secrecy,” Honigman says. “To those fearful of the mysteries, the black cat may represent evil. But lovers of mysteries, magic, and the arts love that aspect of the cat symbolism.
Australians love the lucky black cat
The unlucky tag that accompanies black cats actually stems from a Middle Ages myth when black cats were believed to be associated with witches.
Among superstitions, one of the oldest and most enduring is that crossing paths with a black cat will bring on bad luck. The dark-colored felines have also been folded into modern Halloween symbols, giving them the (unearned) reputation of being spooky.
Black cats are often a symbol of Halloween or witchcraft. In most Western cultures, black cats have typically been looked upon as a symbol of evil omens, specifically being suspected of being the familiars of witches, or actually shape-shifting witches themselves.
Black cats draw wealth and prosperity
Those little cat figurines with the raised paws are meant to draw good luck, wealth and prosperity to their owners. Often they are white, but Lucky Cats also come in black. A black Lucky Cat not only brings luck but also frightens away demons, evil energy, and stalkers.
Black cats shouldn't get a bad rap just because they look sneaky. In fact, they're considered good luck in many cultures. In Scotland, it's lucky for a strange black cat to arrive at your doorstep. In Japan, black cats are thought to help single women find suitors.
Switching the superstition
In Japan, it is thought to be good luck if a black cat crosses your path and, in Germany it depends which direction a black cat walks in front of you. To those believing the myth, left to right means good times ahead, but right to left means the opposite.
It is thought that the Norman and Germanic people originated the idea of a black cat crossing your path brought bad luck and believed that a sighting of a black cat was a sign that a death would soon occur. The fears about black cats quickly spread and it wasn't long before mass culling of black cats took place.
This protectiveness and the cat's devotion to those they love as well as their ability to tune into the metaphysical world is why they are associated with spiritual protection. The black cat in particular is a symbol of spiritual protection because nighttime is when many believe spirits are the most active.
It's a heartbreaking truth and is thought to be because of the old superstitions held by some humans – that black animals, and cats in particular, mean bad luck.
Around the world, black cats have been associated with being lucky in love. British ladies believed that a black cat entering their home would bring many suitors. If newlyweds owned a black cat, it would frighten away evil spirits and bring a long, happy life of marital bliss.
Black: A black Feng Shui Cat wards off evil spirits and creates a safe space. It is also said to protect you from stalkers.
The cat symbolizes grace, intelligence, cunning, and independence. The cat is a fascinating animal that cultures around the world have long revered. They are agile and nimble, able to move with silence and stealth. At the same time, they are also fiercely independent, choosing to live on their own terms.
This means there is a very good chance you will have a close encounter with the feline kind if you haven't already. If you find a stray cat hanging around your house, or trying to gain access inside, it is more than likely looking for a safe haven with food, water, and a little bit of TLC.
Practitioners of Feng Shui say black cats are powerful forces for good. The Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility rides in a chariot pulled by two black cats. In southern France, black cats are called “money cats” since they are reported to enrich their caregivers.
In certain parts of 19th century Europe, black cat sightings were actually considered good omens. The Irish believed that a black cat on your porch was good luck, and in Japan black cats are similarly revered as symbols of prosperity.
Black Cat Superstitions
Most people have heard of the superstition regarding a black cat crossing your path. That is derived from European folklore claiming that a black cat crossing one's path by moonlight often signified death by epidemic.
It is said that if a black cat crosses your path, then you should avoid taking that path. It is also believed that you should let somebody else pass before you do. In this way, you can keep bad luck at bay and the first person will have it on them.
It's Rare To Find an All-Black Cat
While some cats are indeed black from head to toe, this is actually rare. Most black cats have some other coloring in their whiskers, paw pads, or random patches of fur.
A black cat is a natural symbol of curiosity and interest. Their stare can stem from their inquisitive nature, and they are trying to figure out who you are. If they stare at you over a long period, this can suggest that your life is in flux right now. They are still trying to figure out who or what you are.
They Have Amazing Personalities
While every cat has their own personality, many black cats are playful, fun-loving, and full of energy. It's almost like they try to be lovable goofballs to overcome the negative stereotypes. If you are looking for a loyal and affectionate feline, adopting a black cat is the way to go.
They are frequently friendly and outgoing – even in a high-stress, kenneled shelter environment. Companionable: Friendly not only towards people and animals they are familiar with, black cats can be outgoing and like to meet new friends and family members.