6 Very Superstitious Beliefs About Black Cats
The writing on the wall says black cats are luckier than you think.
If a black cat crosses your path, what would you do? I’d feel #blessed that I got a chance to see a cat today.
I might also "accidentally" smuggle said cat to work in my purse (you know, the usual). I mean, I could probably get away with it with a purse like this Bombay cat purse. “What? Of course my purse isn’t meowing. It just looks like a cat, Harold.”
@_juliechristina_
As cute as black cats are, unfortunately, there is still a prevalent belief in the United States and some European countries that they are omens of misfortune; If a black cat crosses your path, you’re in for bad luck that day. I don't know about you, but if I saw a face this precious, it'd only make my day better!
Black cats’ bad rep stems from the Middle Ages, when Pope Gregory IX decided that black cats were used to worship the devil and saw them as evil creatures.
The vilification of black cats began to grow, spreading to countries like England and eventually to America, as the Puritans settled in New England. During the infamous Salem Witch Trials in the late 1600s, black cats were thought to be witches’ familiars. The Puritans believed that witches could actually shape-shift into black cats!
Believe it or not, though, black cats are actually surrounded by myths of prosperity, luck and even love.
Credit: About Postcards
In Scotland, to have a black cat visit your house means you’re headed for prosperity, my friend. I’d sell my left eyebrow to win a jackpot (It’s a big sacrifice, okay? Even if my left eyebrow is the “ugly” sister ... )
It’s not every day that a black cat hangs out on my stoop, though. I’ll have to settle for a lucky cat charm. These Black Jack Cat Earrings are perfect for bringing on some of that good luck to win big. Maybe I will buy that lotto ticket …
Is someone you know getting married? In the English Midlands, giving a bride the gift of a black cat was thought to bring her good luck. We know from experience here at Meowingtons that it’s not so easy to gift-wrap a cat.
These Purrly Cat earrings are the perfect, easy-to-wrap (they won't fight back) gift to bring the bride some luck. And they’re already dressed for the occasion!
Sailors and their wives saw black cats as guardians of safe passage. While their husbands were out at sea, women would take home black cats, thinking that they would bring their loved ones home safe. These inky felines were seen as harbingers of such good fortune that they became a hot commodity, and some sailors couldn’t even afford to buy them. Cats were even seen as good-luck charms if they were brought on ships and approached a sailor.
Winston Churchill and Blackie, Ship’s Cat / Wikimedia
If you’re a seafaring adventurer searching for your white whale (or even just going out to lunch), be sure to keep your lucky black cat close at hand with this fabulous Clowder Cat Scarf or Kira Cat Travel Pillow. You’ll need something to keep you as warm and cozy as cuddling a real cat.
In some traditions in Southern France, black cats were sometimes referred to as "matagots," roughly translating to "magician cat." Matagots were black cats who would bring the owners good fortune if they were given love and respect and fed first at every meal.
If my cat could talk, I'm sure he'd agree that the French were definitely onto something with that idea.
If you've got a magic cat of your own at home, treat that fine feline of yours to a delicious Ciao Cat Treat and he won't even want a bite of your dinner!
Do you have a black cat of your own? What makes them special to you?
I love black cats, and ever one who has graced my life has been an absolute joy! Right now, my husband and l have a tuxedo boy. Tennessee, who is the sweetest, kindest cat that you will ever meet. Before that, we had , Misty, a black Persian, who was my sweet baby who lived a nice long, cuddly, twenty one years, four months. We were so sad to lose her, but rejoiced at the long life that she lived. Before that, there was Beer, a huge polydactyl black tomcat who loved to cuddle me back to health when ill. As a teen, l had Herbie, a sweet black cat who rode everywhere on my shoulder as l did my work around my parents ranch. Before that, we had Snowball, Tom, Skitterbug, and Betty, all sweet black cats on the ranch. Each black cat was a treasure, and definitely good luck in my life.
About 30 years or more ago i went to a clairvoyant, she told me among many other things that she could see a black cat around me and that this was lucky. I wasn’t a cat lover at the time, but a few years ago adopted 2 black and white cats. Iam cat crazy now and really would love a little blackie to join us.
NancyBrighteyes KeislingMiller, you’re freaking me out, you know people WHO SACRIFICE CATS AT HALLOWEEN ?!?!?!? WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK
Every time i hear something bad about black cats i wanna flip out , i have in my lifetime have owned 13 pure black cats , so far , each has been luckier then the last one , therevis no difference between a black cat , an orange , a Siamese ,a white one or any other color cat , just like blondes , brunettes or red heads , its just the color of their hair , o have seen so many stupid people sacraficing black cats , especially during Halloween ! Get over it , its just a color , and black cats will always love you more and be your best friend if you treat them nicely
I’ve had cats all my life, mainly gingers.
At the moment though, I have a tortoiseshell & white fluffball, Brindabella, and a jet black shorthaired cat, Jasper Floppenpurr.
Jasper earned his name when he came home from the shelter at 10 weeks old… he simply flopped in my arms, on my lap or on the bed and purred like a little engine. Still does it, too, 6 years later.
Both cats are wonderful, but Jasper is the one with all the personality. Too clever for his own good, really. He can even retrieve reliably… his record is bringing back his plastic ring 35 times in a row. I was fed up with it long before Jasper was.
I’d be lost without my cats and would never part with either of them. I know it’s wrong to say it, but cheeky Jasper takes up a little bit more space in my heart than beautiful Bella.
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