Black cats: separating the myths from the facts

Black cats might be considered good luck in some parts of the world, but in others, they’re thought to be bad luck.

Many of these superstitions can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when in Europe, black cats became associated with witchcraft. It was thought they were the cause of bad luck, assisting witches in dark deeds. Some people even thought black cats were reincarnated witches.

During these times, feral cats were often fed by women who were later accused of witchcraft. This is where the idea began to develop that if a black cat crosses your path, something bad will happen.

Many of these superstitions continue to this day, even though they’re nothing but a myth.

A Cats Protection survey found that rather than fading from public consciousness, superstitions about black cats being unlucky are gaining traction with younger generations. While 12% of respondents aged 18-24 said that black cats were unlucky, only 2% of over 55-year-olds said the same.

But if you’ve ever met a black cat, you’ll know they’re just as affectionate and characterful as any other cat. Even so, black cats often find themselves in need of a new home.

Nearly 50% of the cats taken in at Cats Protection centres are black. Sadly, it also takes 18% longer for these cats to find their forever homes, compared to cats of other colours.
Some of the potential reasons include:

• Black cats don’t photograph well: Most of us love taking photos of our cats, but some people think black cats don’t show up well in photos and aren’t as photogenic as other cats. But what’s not to love about these mini black panthers?
• It’s harder to read their facial expressions: All cats are expressive, but you need to pay close attention to their tail language and facial expressions. Some people may find it harder to read the facial expressions of black cats. But really, it just takes a little bit of practice.

Black cats can be male or female, but female black cats are slightly more unusual than males.

Black cats typically have the same lifespan as any other colour. Sometimes, a cat’s lifespan depends on their breed, but typically, most domestic cats live for around 14 years – though many cats live into their late teens.

Regular vet checks, plenty of mental and physical stimulation, plus a high-quality diet, all help your cat live a long, healthy life – no matter their colour.

Taking out cat insurance is also recommended, so any unexpected medical treatment is covered. If your cat is insured with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature to connect with vet professionals and ask any questions you may have about your cat’s health and wellbeing. Just log in to your My Petplan account and go to the MySupport area.