Black Cat Myths We Seriously Need to Stop Believing
Black cats have been accused of an impressive number of things over the centuries.
Bad luck. Witchcraft. Aggression. Ominous appearances. Basically, if something mysterious happened, someone somewhere was probably prepared to blame the black cat.
But black fur doesn't give a cat a darker personality, supernatural abilities or a secret agenda.
So, in honor of black cats everywhere, let's retire a few myths that have survived far longer than they deserve.
Myth 1: Black Cats Bring Bad Luck
Let's start with the big one.
There is absolutely no scientific reason a black cat crossing your path would affect what happens next.
The superstition has roots in centuries of European folklore surrounding cats, witchcraft and the supernatural. But beliefs about black cats actually vary between cultures. In some traditions, black cats have been viewed as signs of good fortune rather than bad luck.
Same cat. Completely different human story.
Myth 2: Black Cats Are Connected to Witchcraft
Historically? Yes, people connected them.
Actually? No.
During periods of intense fear surrounding witchcraft in Europe, cats became associated with witches and the concept of animal "familiars." Folklore even suggested witches could transform themselves into cats.
Those stories helped create the black-cat imagery that later became closely connected with Halloween.
Your black cat, meanwhile, is probably using their supernatural powers to determine whether you opened a can of tuna three rooms away.
Myth 3: Black Cats Have Different Personalities
You can't reliably predict a cat's personality from the color of their coat.
Research has found that humans may perceive personality differences based on coat color, but that is not the same as proving that black fur determines temperament. One study of cat owners found perceived personality differences between coat colors, while also noting that the relationship between coat color and personality needs further research.
A cat's personality is influenced by a much more complicated combination of genetics, early experiences, environment, socialization and individual temperament.
Choose the cat, not the color stereotype.
Myth 4: Black Cats Are More Aggressive
Black does not equal aggressive.
One study examining reported aggression and coat color found some differences between certain color patterns, but it did not establish black cats as inherently more aggressive.
Aggression in cats can have many causes, including fear, pain, overstimulation, stress and territorial conflict.
If a black cat swats you, their coat color isn't the useful clue.
Their body language probably is.
Myth 5: Black Cats Are a Specific Breed
"Black cat" describes a coat color, not a breed.
Many different cat breeds can have black coats, and plenty of mixed-breed domestic cats are black too.
The Bombay is particularly famous for its sleek black coat and panther-like appearance, but seeing a black cat doesn't automatically mean you've found a Bombay.
Think of black as an outfit, not a family name.
Myth 6: Black Cats Don't Photograph Well
This one probably started with somebody trying to photograph a black cat in a dark room.
Black cats can look incredible in photographs. They simply benefit from good lighting and contrast.
Natural window light can help reveal the shape, texture and shine of dark fur. A background that contrasts with the coat can make their features stand out too.
And those eyes against an all-black coat?
Hardly unphotogenic.
Cat Halloween Bat Wings Costume
Myth 7: Nobody Wants to Adopt Black Cats
The reality is more complicated.
Research has documented what is often called "black cat bias," where people can make different judgments about cats based on coat color. A 2020 study noted evidence that black cats may be viewed more negatively and experience adoption disadvantages.
But that doesn't mean nobody wants them.
More recent research from Australia actually found black cats in the study received high adoptability ratings, showing why blanket statements about their adoption prospects aren't helpful either.
The better message is simple: coat color shouldn't decide whether a cat deserves a home.
Myth 8: Black Cats Are in Special Danger Every Halloween
You've probably heard warnings that black cats are routinely harmed or sacrificed around Halloween.
These stories have circulated for decades and have even led some shelters to restrict black-cat adoptions around Halloween.
But evidence of widespread ritual abuse specifically targeting black cats at Halloween is lacking.
Normal pet-safety precautions still make sense, of course. Keeping cats safely indoors protects them from traffic, getting lost and other outdoor hazards throughout the year.
Black Cats Are Just Cats
That's really the point.
A black cat can be confident, shy, cuddly, independent, chaotic, calm or somehow all six before breakfast.
Their coat comes from genetics.
Their supposed supernatural reputation comes from us.
So maybe the black-cat myth we most need to retire is the idea that their color tells us who they are.
Get to know the cat instead.
You may discover that the only bad luck involved is trying to wear a white shirt five minutes after they've climbed onto your lap.
Which black cat myth have you heard the most? Comment MYTH and let's retire a few more. 🖤🐈⬛
Cat Halloween Dracula Vampire Cape
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are black cats really bad luck?
No. There is no evidence that black cats cause bad luck. The belief comes from cultural folklore and superstition, and attitudes toward black cats vary considerably between cultures.
2. Are black cats more aggressive than other cats?
There is no good basis for assuming a black cat will be aggressive simply because of its coat. Cat behavior is influenced by many factors, including individual temperament, socialization, environment, health and previous experiences.
3. Is a black cat a breed?
No. Black describes coat color rather than a single breed. Black coats occur in multiple breeds as well as mixed-breed domestic cats.
4. Are black cats harder to adopt?
Research has found evidence of negative perceptions toward black cats, sometimes called black cat bias, but adoption patterns are more complicated than the simple claim that nobody wants black cats. Recent research has even found favorable adoptability ratings for black cats in some contexts.