For centuries, black cats have been associated with superstition and folklore. Historically, in the UK and United States, black cats were believed to be evil and associated with witchcraft. In China, a black cat was a sign of hard times and poverty, and in Europe if a black cat jumped on a sick bed it was a sure sign that death was near.
Many of these superstitions about black cats continue to exist today, and for this reason black cats often have the lowest rates of adoption at rescue organisations.
Black cats aren’t only associated with bad luck and evil though, in some cultures they are celebrated and seen as a sign of good luck.
Black Cats Bring Good Luck
You may remember being told that it is bad luck to have a black cat cross your path. Whilst this superstition remains true is the United States and parts of Europe, in other countries (such as the UK, Japan and Australia) it’s the opposite and a black cat is a sign of good fortune and good luck.
It is believed to be a sign of good luck and future prosperity if a black cat enters your house, if a dark and mysterious black cat meets you at your front door, or if you stroke a black cat three times. And if you dream about a black cat, it is a sure sign that good luck is coming.
Image: Alan Turkus via Flickr
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Pirates and Sailors
In the 19th century sailors kept black cats on ships as they believed it would bring them luck. Fisherman’s wives kept black cats while their husbands went away to sea, believing that this would ensure their husbands safe return.
Pirates thought that if a black cat was walking in their direction, it was a sign of the bad luck that was to come. However, if a black cat was walking away from a pirate, it was seen as a symbol of good luck. If a black cat walked onto a pirate ship and then walked off it again the ship was doomed and likely to sink on its next voyage.
Image: woodleywonderworks via Flickr
Romance and Weddings
In Japan, a black cat is thought to improve your love life. Superstition says that a woman with a black cat can expect to have many suitors, which means many a man keen to marry them.
It is also believed that a bride will have a happy married life if a black cat sneezes near her on her wedding day.
Black cats are often given as wedding presents to bring the newly wedded couple good luck, often in the form of ornamental black cats purchased as wedding gifts, rather than a living black cat.
Image: Frostdragon via Flickr
I have personally had the good fortune to know two beautiful black cats, who crossed my path multiple times each day and brought nothing but joy and happiness.
Are you superstitious about black cats bringing bad luck? How do you react to a black cat crossing your path? Have you adopted a black cat? Please share your stories and superstitions about black cats.
I have one cousin who throws change at them if they cross his road and another one that stops his car, turns it off and turns on and off the lights 3 times!
Saw black cat entering from window and starring at me with big eyes
It’s Friday the 13th and a black cat has been hanging out with me all day. I fed her sardines. 🙂
We have a black cat since she was 3 weeks old. She is very affectionate and curious about anything. She sleep with me in my bedroom and gave me kisses like sniff on my lips or cheeks and a lick on my fingers sometimes. What I think is that if you love your pet, your pet will love you in return. Don’t know about good luck or bad luck and all is well.
I have a stray black cat we named salem he decided to live here about 5 years ago, but most the time he lives on our deck in a heated pet house because he doesn’t like noise. Then another black cat a 6 month old kitten came around and never left her name is kiwi this was about two years ago. I truly believe that they protect us and that is why they came.
There was a black cat at my door
The only bad luck about black cats is if you don’t turn on the lights while walking around the house at night! Warning! Invisible sleeping cats!
I have a black cat had him six years and i dont think they are unlucky
A stray black cat was in my house when I came home he stared at me and ran round a little till I opened the back door and he went out what does this mean
I saw black cat in my backyard when I open window blind and the cat was seating on the top of wood table did not leave until I open the back door and cat start running away
I saw a very beautiful black cat just before I woke up in the morning. Today is Friday and I am going to play euro millions to see whether this cat bring me good fortune.
I just had a little black cat at my door I herd it as I was walking upstairs so I opened the door and it stood there looking as I went outside it ran out of my garden from the right to left looking back at me it was so cute an beautiful ??
I’m amazed I opened my door and a black cat zoomed in and made it self at home it is the sweetest and most loving cat ever. It’s friendly with my daughter and has brung me and my wife closer together. So if u think black cats r bad luck think again.
Just recently adopted one that was being given away. It hasn’t taken us very long to form a strong bond and I feel very blessed that I took the chance. Love my RAVEN to bits.
Thank you for the information Im so glad it isnt bad luck as I was getting ratherworried, as a black cat crossed right in front of me this morning x
I have had my black cat for about 13 years now, and if there is any bad luck, it isn’t the cat, its your bad choices. I’ve been very happy with my black cat and is very lovable too.
Black Cats are known for their beauty, energy and mystery! All Good.