Myths About "Black Cats"

Although the first thing that comes to mind when black cats are mentioned is bad luck, research shows that there has been no change in the adoption of black-furred cats due to the superstition surrounding them. Seeing a black cat brings bad luck, the legend of the devil cat, black cats coming between lovers, and much more… Despite the many superstitions surrounding them, these cats, with their striking appearance due to their black fur, are quite popular and much loved. In this article, we will touch upon the myths about black cats that have been discussed for hundreds of years.

Misconceptions About Black Cats

The black cat superstition is a very old belief, with roots going back to Ancient Greece. According to Greek mythology, Hera, the wife of Zeus, transformed Galinthias, who was once her servant, into a black cat because he prevented the birth of Hercules. After this event, Galinthias began to work as an assistant to Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, and subsequently, stories of black cats emerged in different cultures. In addition to this legend, the association of black cats with concepts such as epidemics and death is also common, especially in European folk tales.

Seeing a Black Cat Brings Bad Luck

Many people have heard at some point in their lives that encountering black cats brings bad luck. Although the belief that encountering a cat brings bad luck exists in many cultures, the exact origin of this belief is unknown. It is thought that black cats, because they appear more frightening compared to other cats, gave rise to these beliefs.

However, there are also societies that believe black cats bring good luck. In Scotland, you should be happy if you see a black cat at your door. Because for them, a black cat means good luck, and in Japan, it is believed that black cats help find love. In France, seeing a black cat means you will witness a miraculous event. In England, it is a sign that newlyweds will have a very lucky marriage if they receive a black cat as a gift.

Black Cats Are Witches

It is well known that in the Middle Ages, black cats were associated with witchcraft and witches. The reason for this association is thought to be Galinthias, who was transformed into a black cat and served the witchcraft goddess Hecate. Black cats were associated with black magic throughout the Middle Ages. It was even widely believed that black cats were witches in disguise. The legend of the devil cat stemmed from the belief in cat-like demons sent by witches to spy on people. In Europe, witchcraft and black cats were linked from the early 13th to the 17th century. Even today, the portrayal of black cats as close companions to witches in books, series, and films about witchcraft is a nod to these beliefs. Fortunately, the negative connotations black cats acquired centuries ago are now just a source of humor, and people haven't stopped loving them.

Let's Get to Know Black Cats

According to research on cat breeds, there are 22 different cat breeds that can have completely black fur. Among these breeds, the black cat that is the subject of legends and that we are used to seeing in TV series and movies is the Bombay breed. This breed, which attracts attention with its black fur, black noses, and yellow or green eyes, is quite popular. Bombay cats appear in popular productions such as The Simpsons, Star Trek, and Sabrina.

Many people may think that black cats are not adopted because of their relatively bad reputation. However, it is important to know that any negative stories about black cats do not affect the adoption rate of these cats. Moreover, adopting a black cat brings many advantages.

When you adopt a black cat;

• You can scare your friends with black cat legends.
• You'll never have to see cat hair on your black clothes.
• You'll have photos that will make everyone jealous as they see how well black cats blend into everything.

When you decide to adopt a cat, you know that the lifelong commitment you're making means much more than just the color of your furry friend. Legends about black cats are little anecdotes that will liven up the conversation when talking about them.