Are 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!
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!
Black cat image courtesy of sippakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Halloween cat image courtesy of Rattikankeawpun at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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