By Fenella Tigner
National Black Cat Day is October 27!
It sounds like spooky magic, but did you know black cats are half as likely as other cats to be adopted from shelters? Black cats can be considered bad luck because of ignorance and superstition and are often passed over because they don't photograph well. But black cats are beautiful in person and are just as lovable and deserving of homes and families as all other cats!
Here are six fun facts about black cats!
In some cultures black cats are considered lucky!
In the United States, many people believe black cats bring bad luck or are altogether evil. But it’s not a belief shared across all cultures.
In Britain and Ireland, a black cat crossing your path is considered a sign of good luck.
In Europe, sailors will have a safe journey if they bring along a black cat on the ship.
In Japan, you'll have luck in finding love if you spot a black cat.
In ancient Egypt, cats were considered an embodiment of the gods and worshiped. In fact, the cat goddess Bastet was part black cat and part woman, illustrating just how much black cats meant to that society.
In Scotland, you'll have coming prosperity if a black cat appears at your doorway or on your porch.
In France, something magical is about to happen if you see a black cat.
Halloween can be a dangerous time for black cats.
Because so many people associate black cats with evil, they’re often harmed. Halloween season is an especially dangerous time for black cats. Black cats often suffer cruelty and harm during Halloween season.
Black cats have a tougher time finding good homes.
One study conducted between 2010 through 2011 analyzed outcomes for nearly 8000 cats admitted to an urban public shelter in Kentucky. The study found that black cats had the highest rate of euthanasia (74.6%) and the lowest rate of adoption (10.0%) of any color.
There are more black cats than any other color
This is because of the black gene, called the non-agouti gene, is dominant. A pure black cat will have the non-agouti gene from both mom and dad. Sometimes we can see tabby coloring within our black cat, which means we are seeing some of the tabby genetics underneath.
The black cat is the same genetic phenotype as the black panther
The striped tabby is the same genetic phenotype as the tiger. The Abyssinian is the same as the lion or puma. The blotched tabby has the same pattern as a clouded leopard. And long-haired cats are like snow leopards
Black cats may be more resistant to disease
In the early 2000's, researchers at the National Institutes of Health discovered that the genetic mutations that cause cats to have black coats may offer them some protection from diseases. In fact, the mutations affect the same genes that offer HIV resistance to some humans.