National Black Cat Day: October 27
Black Cats: Myths, and Misconceptions...
Bad Luck, Good Luck or Simply Purr-fection?
"Animals like crows, owls, or black cats are not ominous at all; it is the men’s superstitious mind which is the inauspicious one."
... Mehmet Murat Ildan
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 "fur-ever" 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.
"A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere."
... Groucho Marx
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 cats were created to give everyone the opportunity to be owned by a mini-panther."
... Uknown
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 Australia, 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 considered 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 wealth, 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
Black cats: elegant, enigmatic, and ready to be loved!
Convinced that black cats are not bad luck? Why not give a black cat a "fur-ever" home and bring home some good luck this Halloween season? Here in Charlotte our shelters have some beautiful black cats waiting to be adopted into loving, fur-ever homes. Check them out!
CAROLINA P.A.W.S. (PET ADOPTION & WELFARE SOCIETY)
P.O. Box 365 | Waxhaw, NC 28173
(704) 916-9138
HUMANE SOCIETY OF CHARLOTTE
1348 Parker Drive| Charlotte, NC 28208
(704) 377-0534
CMPD ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL CENTER
8315 Byrum Drive | Charlotte, NC 28217
704-336-7600
This National Black Cat Day information is provided by Nina Hollander with Coldwell Banker Realty, Greater Charlotte area cat parent and pet-friendly residential real estate expert. I've been opening doors for Charlotte area cats and their humans since 1999.
If you're considering selling or purchasing a home in the Greater Charlotte area, I'd love an opportunity to earn your business, exceed your expectations, and to show you why experience matters and how:
"The Right Broker Make All The Difference"
Comments(15)