Black Cats: Dispelling the Myth Around Our Feline Friends
Ever since I was a little girl I have loved cats of all kinds. Growing up with a big, fat orange tabby named Tiger made me realize how special cats really are. They are independent, intelligent, caring creatures that connect with humans in such a unique way that they truly become part of a family. Since childhood, I have shared my life with various cats, from those owned by my parents to those belonging to different roommates. Now, I have three gray tabby boys of my own. However, growing up I would hear a lot of negative talk and misconceptions about black cats, especially during the time of the spooky holiday, Halloween.
Kellen Rogers and Damon
Image Courtesy @superduperkell
The stigma that black cats are evil and unlucky beings stems back to centuries ago during the Middle Ages. During the fifteenth century people thought that black cats were part of a sorcery or were even demon related. Anyone who had a black cat or constantly ended up around one was deemed as a witch that needed to be punished severely, which meant by death most of the time. This lead to the Salem witch trials, which lasted about a year killing 19 innocent people and putting hundreds into prison. As sad as this was, black cats are not to blame for the hysteria people truly believed. There has been no scientific proof that black cats are “witchy” creatures, and anyone who has a black cat will tell you that their lives have not been worse nor have they been cursed by their pet.
This superstition follows that black cats are unlucky or a misfortune. If you see one outside somewhere they represent “bad luck” or a curse to ruin your day/month/year. Along with that there are myths saying that black cats are harmful, scary, and even dangerous. Black cats are the farthest thing from that; they are still loveable and sweet animals. Every single black cat that I have encountered was the farthest thing from aggressive. One of my best friends, Jude Pizzuto has a black cat named Wall-E. He is quite literally a baby, and has an anxious attachment to Jude. Whenever he has to leave his home to go to school or work Wall-E will cry just because he misses him so much. Black cat owners such as Jude will undoubtedly disagree with the unlucky superstition.
Jude Pizzuto and Wall-E
Image Courtesy @jude_dude.15
Not to mention people tend to stay away from them during the month of October, since Halloween is approaching. Sadly, this is quite detrimental to pet shelters as people tend to stay away from black cats. This lowers their adoption rate tremendously along with even black dogs. People tend to turn and adopt animals with a lighter complexion since they are deemed as “friendlier,” than the other animals that are darker. This also relates back to racism, and that human beings that are African American are “less approachable” compared to caucasians or someone with a lighter skin tone.
Debunking the various myths and toxic misconceptions of black cats is crucial, especially during the month of October. They are sweet, loveable kitties just like any other cat. Black cats are not unlucky, cursed, or dangerous. Many are still waiting in animal shelters ready to meet the owner of their dreams, and ready to have a forever home. Let us please continue to stop the spread of this misinformation of our spooky feline friends, and to remember all cats are worthy of love!
Strike Out,
Sunshine Finnell
Sunshine Finnell is a writer for Strike Magazine. She is also an elementary teachers assistant for K/1, and is studying to become an elementary teacher at UTC. They love writing poetry, almost as much as she loves her three cats. Just a Virgo in her early twenties; learning to love all parts of themselves. She can be found on Instagram @sunshinedallice.
