Top 5 Reasons to Adopt a Black Cat

Our feline friends are precious, but it’s even more important that we give love to the black cats out there since today is National Black Cat Day! First created on 27th October 2011 by Cats Protection, this day celebrates all the black moggies nationwide and lets us know that luck is on their side.

According to Cats Protection, the black cats in their care took “a week longer on average to find a home than cats of other fur colours”. This is mostly due to old superstitions stating that black cats are a symbol of bad luck and are associated with witchcraft, as well as the devil. Not only that, but black cats have also become a classic Halloween symbol in a negative way, which is why these dark felines face dangers on this spooky night.

Because of the potential harm people can inflict on black cats, many cat rescue centres don’t allow people to adopt our black furry friends closer to or on Halloween. National Black Cat Day is here to let people know that black cats are full of love and should be treated the same as their other feline companions.

To bust the myth surrounding them, here are the top five reasons to adopt these beautiful midnight-coloured moggies.

They can actually bring you good luck

We’ve heard of the old tales and old superstitions shining negative light on black cats, but what about the positives? Many people are so quick to tell these cats to scurry away without looking at the other side of the story.

In the past, British sailors brought them onto their ships not only to hunt mice, but also because they believed that black cats were a symbol of good luck that ensured a safe journey home.

People in Scotland also believe in their luckiness. If a black moggy turns up at your doorstep, this is a sign of prosperity. In England and Ireland, if a black cat crosses your path, this is a sign of good luck!

They can improve your love life

Yes, a single crazy cat lady usually comes to mind when we think about cats and a love life. But this is a stereotype that has become comedic over the years. In some countries such as Japan, a single woman who has a black cat is thought to attract more suitors. Black cats are also an ideal wedding gift for people in the English Midlands, bringing good luck and happiness to the bride.

They can resist disease

According to the PDSA, black cats can be resistant to certain diseases due to their midnight coats. This is because the mutation leading to their black coats can offer them protection, and these are the same genes that give humans resistance to diseases such as HIV. This information is also being used by scientists to help study human diseases. So, if you have a black feline friend, they are less likely to become ill.

Their coats are unique

If you have a dark feline with a tabby gene that loves sunbathing, you’ll notice their coats change colour. This is because the sun’s rays can break down their fur’s pigments, revealing the tabby stripes.

They were worshipped (and still are)

For the very superstitious individuals, it’s good to note that all cats, including the ones with dark fur, were worshipped in Ancient Egypt. Our feline friends were sacred during these times, and Bastet, an Egyptian goddess who protected the home from disease and evil spirits, was portrayed to have the body of a woman and the head of a cat. There are even videos on TikTok where people play a sound that is supposed to remind cats that they were worshipped in Egypt.

These are the top five reasons why you should adopt a black cat, which hopefully reminds you how lovable they are. To celebrate this event, make sure you participate in Cats Protection’s campaign by posting your beautiful midnight moggy using #BlackCatDay. Show the world that black moggies are nothing but full of cuteness and love!

If you want to donate to a charity, have a browse through our charities from our directory here. If you want to help Cats Protection, head over to their donation page. Happy National Black Cat Day!