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28th October 2010

Black Cats? You’re in Luck

Petplan insurance claims show that black cats are less prone to accidents

During the Halloween season, bewitching tales and folklore will be on the tip of everyone’s tongue and there are few more famous than the claim that crossing paths with a black cat will bring bad luck.

However, working with its sister company in the US, Petplan has found that this could not be further from the truth. Recent figures reveal that black cats are the least accident prone of the cat population as their owners make the lowest number of claims.

Based on Petplan’s insurance claims, black cats are 15% less likely to be victims of an accident or injury compared to their more colourful feline friends; whereas orange cats are twice as likely to have a mishap.

In the UK, Petplan’s ‘unluckiest’ cat to date is a 10-year-old ginger tom cat called Leo. Leo has survived more than his share of mishaps using up more than a few of his nine lives, including being badly run over, suffering from pancreatitis and diabetes, falling from a tree, diving into a trench of wet concrete and even being bitten by a snake!

His owner, Mrs Palmer from East Sussex, says, "He has been through so much and been at death’s door a number of times. I don’t know how he survived but with the help of Petplan, the constant nursing and the help of his wonderful vets; he did."

Whilst black cats may be lucky in avoiding accidents, they are not as fortunate when it comes to being adopted as they are often the last to be selected at an animal shelter. Tabby cats are the most popular colour when it comes to adoption closely followed by tortoiseshell.

Despite many of us believing that black cats are unlucky, the third most popular name for black cats insured by Petplan is “Lucky” with “Midnight” being the top choice. However, it seems many of us are yet to be fully convinced as only 20% of all cats adopted are black** making them one of the least popular.

Alison Andrews, Petplan’s Marketing Manager commented: "For centuries now, black cats have been unfairly labelled as being unlucky by superstitious people, when in fact it is quite the opposite".

She continued: "Whatever the colour of your cat, it’s important to be extra vigilant with Halloween and Christmas coming up as there is likely to be lots of decorations and food around the house which can be hazardous if swallowed."

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