Here at the RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid, North East and Lincoln branch, we get a variety of animals in through our doors – but unfortunately, repeatedly see black cats being left behind whereas other coat colours immediately get adopted.
This blog post is here to set the record straight on black cats – we’re going to be covering superstitions that have led to a negative public image, some fun facts and stories about our own black cats who we have had the pleasure of meeting.
Associations and Superstitions
Linked closely with Halloween and spooky goings-on, in the past black cats were thought to be the familiars of witches – which meant that they were able to shapeshift to perform their evil deeds. This has been a long-standing belief from Ancient Greek times and all the way through the middle ages, where they were also seen as symbols of bad luck and avoided.
But our recent lodgers, Isla, Idris and Angus would beg to differ! Having been born as ferals, they were first afraid of everything and not very trusting of humans. However, all 3 have now been rehomed and Idris, who struck out alone has found a loving family home whereas Angus and Isla were happily homed together. Their adopters have all reported that the trio are much more affectionate since adapting to home comforts.
Fun Facts About Black Cats
Black is actually one of the most common coat colours in felines, though only the Bombay breed is considered a ‘true’ black cat, as moggies will often have whisps of white or other colours in their fur (which may only be seen when they relent for a belly rub!) The pigment eumelanin is responsible for the dark colouration, and is dominant in black cats.
The genetic advantage of a black coat makes them harder to see at night, which would have come in useful to stalking their prey, and is probably associated with being afraid when one crosses someone’s path unawares. Darkness and the unknown hiding within are super scary, but a lovable black cat is sure to make it all better!
Black Cat Day
October 27th is black cat day in the United Kingdom, and there’s no better time to celebrate the humble black cat. In 2014, the national RSPCA reported that 70% of the abandoned cats in its care were black and point to a multitude of reasons why this could be, including that they do not photograph as well as other cats.
Recent RSPCA cat Willow was a little tricky to capture, sure, but luckily on an in-person visit, she and her sister Caramel stole the hearts of their adopters and were rehomed together. She is enjoying life with her partner-in-crime and said she wouldn’t change a thing!
RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid, North East and Lincoln
We’re an independent rehoming and adoptions branch of the RSPCA, meaning that we get no government funding to look after our animals. If you are able to support he branch by volunteering, donating, sharing, fostering – or even adopting, you’d be helping to enrich local animals’ lives. Thank you!