These are the most powerful armed forces in 2025
The black cat has often been portrayed as the loyal companion. One example is Luna, the classic cartoon black cat featured in ‘Sailor Moon.’ Another is Salem, the snarky black cat from ‘Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.’
In 16th-century Italy, it was a common belief that if a black cat laid on someone's sickbed, death was imminent.
Most animals with dark fur or feathers, including crows and ravens, got a bad rap in medieval times, as they were said to signal death.
From early 13th-century Europe up until the 17th century Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts, black cats were killed along with those who were considered witches. Actually, as recently as 2007, The Telegraph reported that "60,000 black cats are killed every year by Italians who believe that they bring bad luck."
Many people, but especially those in the Catholic Church, believed that black cats were the demonic entities that assisted with the practice of witches' magic, or that they were even shape-shifting witches themselves.
Cats were often taken on boats to manage the rats, but in sailing lore having a black cat on a ship was also said to calm both the sea and the wind. Some fishermen’s wives would also keep black cats at home to influence the safe returns of their husbands.
There are many cat cafes, but only one dedicated solely to black cats: Nekobiyaka Cat Cafe.
In parts of England, a bride will have luck in her marriage if she receives a pudgy black cat as a gift.
In ancient Egypt, black cats were held in the highest esteem because they resembled Bastet, the feline Egyptian goddess of home, fertility, and protection from illness.
In France, it's believed that something magical is about to happen if you see a black cat.
Some say if a black cat is spotted during a funeral procession, another family member is bound to die. It's also said to be a bad omen if you see a black cat walking away from you.
Most people are familiar with the black cat crossing your path as the root of the bad omen. It stems from European folklore that claimed that a black cat crossing one’s path by moonlight often signified death by epidemic.
The Bombay black cat is the most popular of the 22 feline breeds that feature black as a possible coat color, and it was bred to resemble a miniature black panther. It’s the breed typically used in popular shows and movies.
What’s interesting, however, is that black cats have also been considered good luck through the ages, across historical settings and cultures, but their bad luck is the version that has stuck.
Back in 3000 BCE, to harm a black cat was considered a capital crime.
In England, if a black cat visits your hotel, B&B, or inn, it's advised that you welcome the cat nicely, as it will bring more clients.
In Scotland, it is said that you'll have good fortune if a black cat appears at your doorway or on your porch.
But not crossing your path? The rules of superstition can be so fickle.
From young girls to adult women, you’ll see many cat costumes on Halloween, and none other than black.
Another funny one is that you’ll have good luck if you happen to find a white hair on a black cat.
There are more black cats than any other color because the black gene is most dominant for felines, according to the ASPCA.
For some they might symbolize bad luck, for others they might symbolize that bad luck doesn’t exist. Regardless, black cats are often also associated with strength, sensuality, and elegance.
Black Cat Day is celebrated on August 17. It was created in 2011 by Cats Protection in order to both celebrate them and help them get adopted. They could make a lucky companion, or at least you could get people to move out of your way!
In other cultures around the world, it’s a sign of good luck if you dream about a black cat.
Las Vegas is a very superstitious place as it relies so much on luck, and the gambling world believes that if a black cat crosses you on the way to a casino, you should turn right around.
Black cats are more likely to be put to sleep or wait longer to be adopted from shelters because of their negative associations.
‘Hocus Pocus’ features the sarcastic Thackery Binx, who gets turned into a black cat and must take down the witches, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy.
You don't even have to consider yourself a superstitious person to have that weird feeling crawl up your spine when you come across a black cat. Many of us can't help it, as the beliefs associating black cats with bad luck have been around for quite some time—especially as a staple of Halloween. Even today, The Spruce Pets reports that many animal shelters won’t place black cats in homes during October for fear of them being used sacrificially!
But it's about time we tackle this weird feeling in your spine and learn more about the plentiful alternative representations of black cats, from history to pop culture, including how in many cultures they're actually good luck!
Click through to cross paths with the black cat.
In Japan, it's believed you'll have luck in finding love if you spot a black cat.
Black cats: The truth about your superstitions
Stories and superstitions about black cats
LIFESTYLE Animals
You don't even have to consider yourself a superstitious person to have that weird feeling crawl up your spine when you come across a black cat. Many of us can't help it, as the beliefs associating black cats with bad luck have been around for quite some time—especially as a staple of Halloween. Even today, The Spruce Pets reports that many animal shelters won’t place black cats in homes during October for fear of them being used sacrificially!
But it's about time we tackle this weird feeling in your spine and learn more about the plentiful alternative representations of black cats, from history to pop culture, including how in many cultures they're actually good luck!
Click through to cross paths with the black cat.