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Are Black Cats Bad Luck? Maybe Not... Why Not Get Lucky?

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty 179530

black catAre black cats bad luck? Is it time to "retire" this superstition, which keeps more black cats in shelters, where they are more than three times less likely to find "furever" homes? And it's a very sad but true fact that over-capacity animal shelters will euthanize black cats first  because it is so much harder for them to find permanent homes.

 

This Halloween season when so many associate black cats with all sorts of spooky stuff, I'm all about spreading the word about what makes black cats so special and why they may actually be symbols of good luck! And it's worth pointing out that whether you associate a black cat with bad luck or good luck could very well depend on what part of the world you come from. For example, in the United States and certain European countries, it's considered bad luck to have a black cat walk by you, while in Japan and Britain it's considered good luck for that to happen!

 

black halloween cat

 

LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS ABOUT WHY/WHERE/WHEN BLACK CATS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH GOOD LUCK:

 

  • On the Yorkshire coast of Great Britain, wives of fisherman believe that their husbands will return home safely if a black cat is kept in the house.

  • Many actors believe that a black cat in the audience on opening night is a harbinger of a successful play.

  • In the south of France, black cats, which are known as "matagots (magician cats)," are believed to bring good luck to those who feed them well and treat them with respect.

  • English sailors believed that keeping a black cat and treating it royally would ensure good weather when at sea. As a result black cats became so pricey, few sailors could afford them.

  • In the English Midlands, giving a black cat as a wedding gift to a bride is thought to bring good luck.

  • Many consider dreaming of a black cat a lucky omen.

  • In Britain and Austrialia, as well as in other countries, black is considered a protective color and that black cats had the power to ward off negative forces with their black coats. And because cats are associated with motherhood, protection, love, and fertility, in many cultures black cats are highly revered, as black is considerd the color of protection.

  • Ancient Celts believed that black cats were reincarnated humans, who could foretell the future.

  • Finns believe that black cats carry the souls of the dead to the next world.

  • Scots believe that when a black cat crosses your path, it means good things will come your way. And if you find a black cat on your porch, you will have prosperity.

  • Those who believe black cats are lucky, also believe that it's very good luck to also wear black cat charms and that anyone who finds one perfect white hair on an all-black cat and plucks it out without being scratched will enjoy not only great welath, but also luck in love.

  • The luckiest black cat is female, all jet black (including its whiskers), and has green eyes.

 

Black cat, cross my path

Good fortune bring to home and hearth

When I am away from home

Bring me luck wherever I roam

- Old English Charm

 

 

ADOPTING A LUCKY BLACK CAT IN THE CHARLOTTE AREA

 

Convinced that black cats are not bad luck? Why not give a black cat a "furever" home and bring home some good luck this Halloween season? Here in Charlotte the Humane Society of York County has some beautiful black cats waiting to be adopted into loving, furever homes. Just take a closer look at the three featured below. You just know they'll be lucky when they find their furever homes and that those homes will be lucky to have them!

 

                  adoptable cat Stitch                          adoptable cat Leo

 

 

 

Black cat image courtesy of sippakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Halloween cat image courtesy of Rattikankeawpun at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by

 

 Nina Hollander, RE/MAX Broker, Realtor

 

 

 

Broker, Realtor, MBA, GRI, ABR, SRES, CDPE, SFR, SPS, CMRS
Carolinas Realty Partners with Coldwell Banker Realty
Direct: 704-779-0813
Website: www.GreatHomesInCharlotte.com
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Disclaimer:  Nothing in this blog article is to be construed as legal advice, tax advice, or financial advice.  For legal advice see an attorney.   For tax advice or financial advice see a tax attorney, certified public accountant, or other qualified professional.

 

Comments (66)

Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Sharon Lee ~ good morning, Sharon... this disproportionate euthanization of black dogs and cats is one of the major reasons I wrote this post. Of course, personally I don't think any animal should be euthanized because of a lack of a home.

Oct 31, 2015 11:22 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Nina-I am glad you wrote this and I agree with you on not euthanizing an animal because of lack of a home. As someone who has a rescue kitty for 3.5 yrs now I can't imagine someone putting such a beautiful and loving kitty to sleep just because she didn't have a home. Shadow is a precious, sweet and loving kitty.  Here she is about a yr ago.

Oct 31, 2015 11:36 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Sharon Lee ~ hi Sharon, your Shadow is a beauty. Our Oliver is also a rescue.

Oct 31, 2015 11:45 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Nina-I love his fur color and eye color. My black cat had green eyes and just a wisp of wisp on her chest. Her name was Midnite. I didn't take as many pics of her as I did my other two kitties. I was in my 20's when I had her so maybe I didn't think as much about doing so as I did and do with my next two. Lindsey was a gray tiger and Shadow could have been her daughter. Lindsey I lost 4 yrs ago this coming March. I still miss her but VERY glad I found Shadow.

 

Oct 31, 2015 11:53 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

I've always had grey cats--maybe because my first one at age 6 was a grey tabby. But in the end, if it's a cat, I love it! Oliver looks like a British Blue.

Nov 01, 2015 01:21 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

I am glad that I didnt miss your post thanks to Kathy!  I have never had a black kitty, but I would love one to add to my 3 :-0

Nov 01, 2015 12:04 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Kristin Johnston, Waukesha Realtor 414-254-6647 ~ black cats to me are just so glamorous! There's hardly a day in my life where I don't wear some black. Never could see the prejudice agains black cats and dogs, Kristin.

Nov 01, 2015 12:06 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

The black cat in our home is the biggest lovebug of them all.  I would adopt another black cat in a minute.

Nov 01, 2015 01:13 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Chris Ann Cleland ~ hi Chris... as was our black dog, Max. It's never occured to me to "discriminate" against black cats or dogs!

Nov 01, 2015 01:19 AM
Judith Sinnard
SMARTePLANS; Houston, Texas - Houston, TX
The SMARTePLAN Lady

The superstition dates well back into history... where the simple folk believed satan and his demonic army were out and about in the world actively at work stealing souls and went about transforming  themselves into various creatures to aid in the devil's work.  Since man was made in the image and likeness of God, an evil spirit could resemble a common man and it would be their (evil) deeds that would betray their wickedness. But a transformed demon in animal form would (of course) be all black as their all-encompassing evilness defined their transformed appearance completely.  More than one person was burned at the stake for being a witch not so much because of what they did, but because their animal companion or "familiar" betrayed their true identity by their very appearance.  With that sort of cultural climate .. not hard to see why when choosing a pet most folks opted for the fluffy white bunny vs. the black cat.  If you understand the roots of the superstition, you have the means to set it aside instead of perpetuating it. If you don't  believe your immortal soul is endangered or that your neighbors will burn you at the stake, than its highly possible you will benefit greatly by adopting a black cat/dog who will bring love and camraderie into your life.

 

Nov 01, 2015 01:45 AM
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

We've had all but black over the past 25 years. None of our rescues gave us the option but we are not averse to them. Our remaining 16 year old tabby rules the roost and a sibling would break her heart. Maybe next time? Here via Kathy!

Nov 01, 2015 01:15 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Kevin J. May ~ hi Kevin, I love black cats and dogs, myself, although all of my cats have been grey for over 60 years. But we did have a black dog. Our cat Oliver is half the age of yours, but he wouldn't take lightly to a new cat in the home, either. Dogs he deals with.

Nov 01, 2015 01:21 AM
Kevin J. May

Long live the Queen! Her disposition is noticeably improved since outliving the competition. I'm pretty sure I would feel the same way given the chance Nina.

Nov 01, 2015 02:58 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Judith Sinnard ~ hi Judith... I know some of this history and at the same time going way back when, black cats were also considered a positive talisman. It's just always interesting on what people hang on to. And unfortunate that black cats and dogs have a lower chance of adoption and a higher one of being euthanized.

Nov 01, 2015 01:23 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Nina - I happen that by now BB, Stitch, and Leo now have furever homes.

 

Nov 01, 2015 03:14 AM
Pamela Seley
West Coast Realty Division - Murrieta, CA
Residential Real Estate Agent serving SW RivCo CA

Nina, I did not know this fact about black cats are less popular choices in shelters, and the differences in cultures about black cats. Learned something today!

Nov 01, 2015 05:44 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

I loved my two black cats. But I love black so there you go. 

Nov 01, 2015 08:46 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner ~ I love black, as well, Karen.... and hardly a day goes by that I don't wear black to some degree. A black cat is the perfect accessory and the hairs won't show!

Nov 01, 2015 07:51 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Grant Schneider ~ good morning, Grant. It's amazing how long I see the black cats sit unadopted in my local shelter when I go in to deliver my mothly donation of supplies!

Nov 01, 2015 07:52 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Pamela Seley ~ good morning, Pamela. That's one of the great things about AR--we can learn something new everyday and not necessarily about real estate alone.

Nov 01, 2015 07:53 PM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

Those are quite interesting beliefs and a fun read.  Love the tie-in with pet/cat adoption!!

Nov 02, 2015 02:35 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Carla Muss-Jacobs, Principal Broker/Owner ~ thanks, Carla...that was kind of in the back of my mind... to get people out to adopt a shelter cat or two, preferably "black."

Nov 02, 2015 02:59 AM