Black Cat Day: The joy of a dark pussycat

Often associated with witchcraft and bad luck, black cats have suffered from centuries of prejudice and general negative portrayals on film and TV…

However, anyone who has been lucky enough to own a black cat knows that this just isn’t true. So, where do all these myths and misconceptions about black cats come from? This year Black Cat Day is celebrated across today (27th October) and to celebrate this day, pet insurer petGuard takes a deeper look into why these cats have received such bad press.

“There are 22 recognised breeds of black cats, making them a popular cat choice” says Simon Bennett, Managing Director at petGuard.

Why are black cats considered bad luck?

Much like other dark-coated animals, such as crows and ravens, black cats have long been unfairly associated with bad luck. The origins of black cats and bad luck probably date back to the early 13th century, when Pope Gregory IX allegedly declared black cats as associates of the devil. The connection between black cats and the supernatural is also to blame for why many feel that it’s bad luck to have a black cat cross their path.

‘Lil Man’. The British black shorthair is on Twitter @ATVNetworkCat

Black is the most common fur colour

Black really is the most common fur colour for cats and is caused by a pigment called eumelanin. This eumelanin pigment comes in three different types (or alleles), with the dominant B allele producing black fur. A cat only needs to receive this B allele from either the mother or the father to then have black fur.

Most black cats have yellow eyes

One of the most noticeable things about black cats are their piercing yellow or amber coloured eyes. This familiar shade is caused by the same pigment that produces black fur. The extra melanin in their bodies causes that yellow or amber eye colour, and less melanin can sometimes produce green coloured eyes.

Black cats can change colour

In the same way that spending a long time in the sun can turn human hair a lighter shade, black cats can also change colour. Exposed to sunlight, a cat’s black fur can appear brown or even a rust-like colour. Sunlight helps break down the pigments in a black cat’s fur, causing the colour to fade, but in some cases also reveal secret stripes or patterns in their fur.

“Although black cats have often been associated with bad luck and witchcraft, in many cultures black cats also bring good luck, wealth and fortune” adds Bennett.

Read more on: https://www.petguard.co.uk/black-cat-myths