Black cats are well known for their association with Halloween, witchcraft, and bad luck. However, despite their reputation, they are unique felines that are thought to bring good luck in some countries, and they have a rich history dating all the way back to the Middle Ages.
According to research, black cats have an evolutionary advantage due to their natural camouflage. Plus, evidence suggests that they could be less prone to disease than other felines.
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.
They are elegant. Their black fur seems to have a shimmer and a sheen that makes you yearn to pet their fur. Black cats often enjoy sharing their lives with other cat family members and humans just like any other cat.
Black cats themselves are not a specific breed. Instead, they're simply a fur color that spans a wide variety of cat breeds. That means they come in all types of personalities and physical appearances. In fact, many black cats can be found among the friendliest cat breeds!
They're Beautiful
Their bright eyes usually contrast with their fur, making them particularly striking and gorgeous animals to have around the house. If you are looking to get a pet that is very photogenic and beautiful to look at around your home, then the black cat is an excellent, eye-catching choice.
Lastly, black cats are known for being savvy. They are vigilant and intelligent. Black cats are very observant as well as being very faithful. If they find a home that treats them well, they will stay and be incredibly loving and loyal pets.
Loyal: Black cats make loving family members. They love to cuddle and play. They might even meow to you over the phone when you are away from home. Black cats are wonderful at being both friendly to all and dedicated to their person/people.
A study described by the University of California, Berkeley discovered that: "Overall, orange cats and bi-colored cats were characterized as friendly, while black cats, white cats, and tri-colored cats were regarded as more antisocial.
Black cats have a mild personality.
While there is no solid scientific evidence on the connection between coat color and personality, an owner-reported survey from UC Berkeley suggests that black cats have a mild temperament free of extreme personality traits.
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.
Are black cats affectionate? Every cat has a unique personality that is not tied to the color of its coat. While black cats can be very friendly and affectionate pets, there are also black cats that are more aloof.
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.
According to researchers at the National Institute of Health, the gene that causes their fur to be black also protects them against certain diseases. So your black cat is scientifically less likely to fall ill with certain diseases. Scientists are also using this to help study human diseases.
Superstitions About Black Cats
This ideology dates back to the Dark Ages—a time when black domesticated cats were a common pet of older women living alone. These women were often accused of witchcraft and were victims of vicious witch hunts. Their black cats were seen as evil accomplices.
Orange cats were regarded as the friendliest by respondents, while white cats were labeled aloof, and tortoiseshell cats were thought to have too much "attitude." The subject was revisited in a University of California Davis study a few years later. This time, results were tabulated from 1,274 completed surveys.
Albino. We'll finish out our list of rare cat colors with the rarest of them all: albino. This is when there's no coloring at all, and it impacts not just a cat's fur, but also its eyes and skin.
Yes, black cats are often associated with bad luck and witchcraft, but they're actually some of the sweetest cats around. Cats with black fur are often social and like spending time with their owners, so if you want a cuddly, attentive kitty, then a black cat may be the one for you.
Your cat may become clingy as a result of stress, insecurity, or generalized anxiety. This could be caused by a significant change in routine, the addition or loss of a household member, an unfamiliar visitor, or loud noises, to name a few.
Yes, cats want to bond with their owners in their own unique way. One of their ways of showing their affection is to sleep with you. It's your cat's way to show how much they want to be near you. It also brings your cat a sense of comfort to hear the sound of your breathing or your beating heart.
Black cats can make wonderful pets but due to their bad reputation and dark coats they might need a bit of extra attention compared to other cats.
Why Adopt A Black Cat. Did you know that black cats have the lowest adoption rate and the highest euthanasia rate?
Facts About Black Cats and Its Life Expectancy
Domestic cats typically live 12 to 15 years (64 to 76 in human years), while certain breeds can live even longer. Compared to them, the average lifespan of a black cat is 15 years old, which is the typical age.
1. Bombay - a breed for black cats only. If you're looking forward to endless kitty cuddles on the couch, there is one black cat breed that will be happy to comply. It's the Bombay cat, a kitten truly dedicated to the colour black - their glossy coats come in this shade only.