Black Cats: They’re Just Purr-fectly Normal

October 27 is National Black Cat Day and let’s be honest, these sleek, shadowy companions arrive with more baggage than a globe-trotting rock star, mostly thanks to some terribly outdated press.

For centuries, black cats have had a PR problem. In Western folklore, the black cat was unfairly saddled with the worst reputation. They were cast as the spooky sidekicks to witches, familiars of dark spirits, bad omens and generally harbingers of bad luck. Basically, if there was an ancient rumor mill, the black cat was its favorite gossip topic. Let’s be real, the only evil spirit a black cat is channeling is the one that demands a second breakfast at 4:30 AM.

But here’s the truth: the only thing “mystical” about black cats is how they manage to look so effortlessly elegant while knocking your coffee mug off the counter at 3 AM.

The Science of Super-Coolness 🖤

That magnificent, inky coat isn’t a magical hex. It’s a common genetic trait called melanism. It’s a naturally occurring mutation that can even offer health benefits, like improved disease resistance. Nature’s little bonus for being fabulous.

Because of all that dark magic … er, pigmentation … many black cats sport striking golden or yellow eyes that offer a truly beautiful, high-contrast look. They’re like tiny, sophisticated panthers, just waiting for the exact moment you leave your china unattended.

But black cats aren’t bad omens. They’re just naturally photogenic and, like any other color cat, explore the world in a way that suits their personalities.

My Cats: The Odd Couple

I once had two cats:

• An orange-and-white domestic shorthair, a cat who moved like a bowling ball with a built in stealth mode, always activated.
• And a black Persian mix, slender, independent and always two paw-steps ahead of trouble.

They were born a month apart, agreed on absolutely nothing and treated each other like natural enemies in a low-stakes spy thriller. The orange one believed in naps and stalking squirrels through the window. The black one believed in chaos through exploration. The only thing they shared? A mutual respect for my hundred-pound German Shepherd, who somehow managed to negotiate peace between them.

Anyone who’s lived with animals knows that every pet has a personality — quirks, preferences and opinions as strong as any human’s, a pure, unfiltered identity. These two were night and day. One, a stealthy butterball, capable of sneaking up on anyone and the other, an independent, trouble-seeking missile. But neither one brought an ounce of bad luck. They were simply two amazing companions with opinions. Lots and lots of opinions.

Why We Celebrate

National Black Cat Day is all about rewriting the narrative. It’s a reminder that black cats deserve love, not fear and superstition.

Unfortunately, ancient beliefs still cast a suspicious shadow, even today. Black cats face longer shelter stay times and lower adoption rates than their lighter-colored counterparts because of these outdated myths. While they seem to be popular at Halloween, it’s vital to remember that a black cat is not a disposable holiday prop or spooky décor. They’re living, loving companions, regardless of the date on the calendar.

Black Cats: Good Luck Around the World

Not every culture bought into the “bad luck” nonsense. In fact, black cats are lucky charms in many places:

• 🧭 Sailor’s Luck (UK & Ireland): Sailors believed black cats heralded safe voyages and brought ships home.
• 💰 Prosperity (Scotland): A black cat on your doorstep meant wealth was on its way.
• 💞 Suitor Charms (Japan): Single women kept black cats to attract good partners. (So maybe that’s what your dating life is missing? Close that dating app and get a black cat! Now!)

Black cars don’t bring bad luck. They bring purrs, companionship and sometimes a dead mouse as a gift.

How to Celebrate National Black Cat Day

• 📸 Share a photo of your black cat (or borrow a friend’s!) using hashtags like #BlackCatDay, #AdoptABlackCat or #BlackCatLove.
• 🏡 Adopt or support black cats from local shelters — they need advocates year-round, not just in the spooky season.
• 💬 Spread awareness: Share fun facts and bust myths. Remind people that coat color doesn’t define personality or worth in cats any more than it does in people.
• 🎁 Pamper your black cat: Treats, toys or even a new photoshoot — they’ve earned it.

Every black cat adopted chips away at a superstition that’s overstayed its welcome.

Black cats aren’t omens — they’re icons. So this October 27, let’s give them what they really deserve: love, attention and maybe a little extra tuna.

After all, anyone who’s ever been chosen by a black cat knows the truth: You don’t own them. They graciously allow you to live in their shadow. Dogs have masters.  Cats have servants. 😸