Black Cat And Its Bringing and Taking of Luck
If a black cat crosses your path, do you think it’s bad or good luck? Do you think these felines are omens of misfortune or a sign that better times are on their way? Regardless of your stance, in today’s blog, we’re celebrating national black cat appreciation day! Read on to learn more about their history, the superstitions surrounding them, and why you should adopt not shop!
All About the Black Cat
A black cat is a domesticated cat with black fur. However, did you know that the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognises 22 breeds that can come with solid black coats. What’s more, all-black pigmentation is slightly more prevalent in male rather than female cats. Additionally, most of these felines have golden irises due to their high melanin pigment content.
Their Coat
Any fur which is a single colour is known as “solid” or “self”. Furthermore, a “solid black” cat may be coal black, greyish black, or brownish black. This pigment results from a recessive gene that surpasses the tabby patten. However, sometimes this pattern is not completely absent. Instead, faint markings may appear in certain lights.
What’s more, black cats “rust” in sunlight. Thus, turning their coat a light brownish-red shade. The cause of this? Eumelanin, the pigment required to produce black fur, is fragile and easily affected by the sun.
Breeds
While there are 22 different breeds of cat which can be black, the Bombay breed is exclusively black. For the others, the CFA defines the colour description as:
- Black: dense coal black, sound from roots to tip of fur. Free from any tinge of rust on the tips. Nose leather: black. Paw pads: black or brown.
However, there are exceptions to this such as:
- Oriental — Ebony: dense coal black. Free from any tinge of rust on tips of smoke undercoat. Nose leather: black. Paw pads: black or brown.
- Sphynx — Black: black. One level tone from nose to tip of tail. Nose leather: black. Paw pads: black or brown.
History and Superstitions
Superstitions surrounding black cats vary for culture to culture. However, they have positive associations in Celtic Nations and Japanese folklore. What’s more, these felines were sacred in Celtic mythology:
- Scottish lore holds that their arrival at a new home signifies prosperity.
- Welsh lore states that they bring good health.
However, both these cultures had traditions of feral and malevolent black cats with each lore have it’s of fairies and monsters associated with the feline.
These mixed traditions give rise to the belief that these cats are omens of both good and bad luck. For example, tradition states that if one walks towards you, it brings good fortune. However, if it walks away, it takes the good luck with it. Pirates often reverse this sentiment.
Adopt Don’t Shop
Interested in getting a black cat? They are by far the most unadopted in shelters. But, why should you adopt not shop?
- You’re saving the life of a loving creature! Plus, you’ll make a companion for life.
- You save money! Cats from adoption shelters have usually had a majority of their vet bills taken care of.
- You help stop unkind and inhuman puppy and kitten mills! These are breeding facilities who put profit over the welfare of their animals.
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