Black cats have long been associated with Halloween, but did you know that in British folklore they traditionally symbolised good luck?
Following National Black Cat Day (October 27), the RSPCA is dispelling the ‘spooky’ and superstitious myths which often surround black cats.
It comes after the animal welfare charity shared new figures which reveal that black cats are nearly three times more likely to come into the charity's care than any other coat colour.
In fact, six black cats currently in the care of RSPCA Block Fen in Wimblington, Cambridgeshire, are in need of new forever homes.
Alice Potter, RSPCA cat welfare expert, said: “There are overwhelmingly more black and black and white cats in our care than any other coat colour - and they also take much longer to rehome, which sadly means they are staying in rescue centres for much longer periods.
“Not only is this sad for the cats who are patiently waiting for their second chance at happiness but it also means that there are limited spaces to help new cats because our centres are full of black cats which sadly no one wants to adopt.
“We don’t know for sure why black cats are more likely to end up in rescue centres and are then overlooked by prospective adopters.
“It could be because there are more black cats than any other colour in the cat population so cats with different colours and patterns tend to stand out to adopters - but we hope many of them find their loving new forever homes this Adoptober.
“We know some people also consider them unlucky or associate them with superstition, or even think they don’t look good in Instagram photos but in reality, they are just like any other cat who needs a loving home.
“Black cats can’t bring you bad luck or good luck - and they certainly can’t predict the weather - but they do need forever homes!
“The colour of an animal’s fur makes no difference to how much love they have to give. We would ask anyone looking to bring a rescue cat into their life to please consider adopting a black cat.”
🧙♀️🧹🐈⬛🌙Black cat myths and legends🧙♀️🧹🐈⬛🌙
- They bring bad luck - or good luck depending on which direction they cross your path
- They are associated with witches, either as their ‘familiars’ or the witches themselves in disguise
- A black cat walking away from you is a bad omen
- In 16th-century Italy, it was believed that death would come if a black cat lay on someone’s sickbed
- In Japan, it is often believed a black cat signifies you will be lucky in love
- In Ancient Egypt, black cats were held in high esteem because they resembled Bastet, the cat-headed Egyptian goddess of home, fertility and protection
- In Scotland, seeing a black cat appear on your doorstep is a sign of prosperity and good weather
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