National Black Cat Day
A perfect companion for those who appreciate a little bit of edge in their lives, these feline friends are sleek and stylish, with a touch of mystery.
Because of superstitious beliefs in some cultures, black cats are sometimes associated with bad luck and, sadly, are more likely to be put to sleep or wait a long time to be adopted from shelters.
National Black Cat Day was launched to show people that a black cat could be the perfect cat for them, and help raise awareness about black cats in general.
If you’ve been looking for a rescue cat yourself, why not consider a black cat? Not only are the superstitions about them bringing bad luck completely untrue, but you might find a black cat to be a fantastic feline companion for you!
On National Black Cat Day, a fun way to celebrate, if you own a black cat, is to take photos with your pet to share and spread awareness about the day on social media. Children can join in by drawing pictures of black cats.
How to Celebrate National Black Cat Day
There are a number of different ways that you can celebrate National Black Cat Day. One way to celebrate this day is to adopt a black cat.
When compared with other cats, black cats get adopted much less! If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, one of the nicest things that you could do is adopt an abused or homeless black kitten or cat by getting in touch with your local animal shelter to see if any require a good home.
There are a lot of ways that you can celebrate National Black Cat Day without bringing a pet into your family, though.
You can spread the word about how great black cats are on social media and via blog posts. Share some photos of black cats with your friends, family members, and followers and spread the word about how they are loving, loyal creatures.
If you ever happen to be in Japan, or planning to take a trip there, you should definitely pay a visit to the Nekobiyaka Cat Cafe.
As the name suggests, it pays tribute to black cats! In this restaurant, you only need to pay $10 and you will be able to spend an hour with kitties while you enjoy a beer or a soda. Black cats are allowed to roam freely, making it the perfect cafe for animal lovers.
You are not allowed to hold the cats or pick them up, but you can pet them. Every cat wears a different color bandana so that you are able to tell them apart.
You could decide to spend the day watching films with cats in them or even reading The Black Cat by Edgar Allen Poe. This is a short story that was published in The Saturday Evening Post in 1843. It is one of the darkest tales the author has ever created, and so it’s not going to be for everyone.
Aside from the suggestions that have been mentioned so far, you may decide to do some arts and crafts with black cats as the theme. From painting a picture to making your own soft black cat toy; you will find lots of different tutorials online to help you get started.
Not to be confused with Black Cat Appreciation Day which is on August 17th.
Learn About National Black Cat Day
A lot of people think that black cats are associated with bad luck. If you see a black cat, do you walk away from it?
For a lot of historical settings and cultures, black cats were actually related to positive things. However, it seems that this myth about them bringing bad luck is the one that has stuck the most. That is why National Black Cat Day is so important. It is all about dispelling this myth and appreciating how great black cats are.
Black cats are loyal companions, and they have been seen in pop culture over recent years. We have Luna, the classic cartoon black cat, which features in Sailor Moon, as well as Salem, which is the black cat from Sabrina, the Teenage Witch – a show that we’re sure many of you watched when you were younger! We can’t forget about Hocus Pocus and the brilliant, sarcastic Thackery Binx either.
Black cats are great, and they have so much personality, which is why we need to promote everything that is good about them rather than allowing this negative black cat spin to keep rolling.
It’s worth pointing out that there are a lot of myths and superstitions regarding black cats, and many of them are actually positive.
For example, in sailing lore, having a black kitten on a ship is said to calm both the sea and the wind. In England, if a Black Cat visits your hotel, B&B, or inn, you are encouraged to welcome the cat nicely, as he will bring more patrons.
There are some other superstitions in England regarding black cats as well, for example, if a black cat walks in front of you, he is said to take your troubles with him. Also, a pudgy black cat is believed to be a charm for a great marriage.
In Scotland, it is believed that placing black kittens on your porch will attract positive events and allay misfortune. In Early America, they believed that black cats had magical powers in their bones, which attracted power and good fortune.
Black cats are also very symbolic. Rather than being associated with bad luck, they actually symbolize understanding that there is no such thing as bad luck.
They are also associated with strength, sensuality, elegance, supporting and advocating adoption, beating the odds, and standing up against prejudice. So, as you can see, black cats are very powerful creatures, which send a positive message to people.
This is why black cat gifts, including jewelry charm bracelets and artwork, have become so popular with people who are looking to send positive and uplifting messages to their loved ones.
History of National Black Cat Day
National Black Cat Day was created in 2011 by Cats Protection in order to celebrate beautiful black cats. When the campaign was first launched, it was revealed that it took black cats an average of a week longer to find a home when compared with other colored cats.
Because of this, the campaign was set-up to celebrate black cats and to help promote them as beautiful pets that deserve as much love and attention as other cats.
In order to understand a bit more about National Black Cat Day and why it is so important, we need to look at the history of black cats in terms of them being viewed as bad luck bringers!
This can largely be linked to the Middle Ages whereby people, especially those in the Catholic Church, believed that witches were shape-shifting black cats.
Ever since then, the damage has been done. So, if you are truly to believe that black cats bring bad luck, then you need to believe that they are witches as well, and we can assure you that this probably isn’t true!
National Black Cat Day FAQs
What is the significance of black cats in Japanese culture?
In Japan, black cats are considered harbingers of good luck. Single women often keep black cats, believing they attract potential suitors.
Additionally, black cats are thought to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity to households.
How did black cats become associated with Halloween?
The association of black cats with Halloween traces back to medieval Europe, where they were believed to be witches’ familiars or even witches in disguise.
This superstition led to black cats being linked with witchcraft and the supernatural, symbols that have persisted into modern Halloween imagery.
Are there any famous black cats in literature?
Yes, one notable example is Pluto from Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Black Cat.”
In this tale, the narrator’s relationship with his pet cat, Pluto, deteriorates, leading to a series of dark and tragic events.
The story explores themes of guilt and paranoia, with the black cat symbolizing the narrator’s descent into madness.
How are black cats perceived in different cultures?
Perceptions of black cats vary globally. In Scotland, a black cat appearing on a doorstep is seen as a sign of prosperity.
Conversely, in some European folklore, black cats are considered omens of misfortune, especially if they cross one’s path. These diverse beliefs highlight the cultural significance attributed to black cats worldwide.
What role do black cats play in maritime traditions?
Sailors historically viewed black cats as good luck charms. Having a black cat aboard a ship was believed to ensure a safe voyage and protect against storms.
This belief was so strong that sailors’ families often kept black cats at home, hoping their presence would safeguard loved ones at sea.
Why do some animal shelters suspend black cat adoptions around Halloween?
Some shelters halt black cat adoptions during Halloween to protect them from potential harm or neglect.
There are concerns that individuals might adopt black cats as props for the holiday and not provide long-term care, or worse, subject them to malicious acts due to lingering superstitions.
Are there any myths about black cats’ physical characteristics?
A common myth suggests that black cats’ fur color is linked to their temperament, implying they are more mysterious or aloof.
In reality, a cat’s fur color does not determine its personality; individual behavior varies regardless of appearance.
How have black cats been represented in cinema?
Black cats have featured prominently in films, often symbolizing mystery or supernatural elements.
For instance, in the animated film “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” the black cat Jiji serves as the protagonist’s companion, offering both comic relief and wisdom.
This portrayal highlights the cultural trope of black cats as magical or mystical beings.
What is the “Cat Sìth” in Scottish folklore?
In Scottish mythology, the Cat Sìth is a fairy creature resembling a large black cat with a white spot on its chest.
Legends say it could steal a person’s soul before it was claimed by the gods, leading to rituals designed to distract the Cat Sìth during funerals.
This myth underscores the mystical status of black cats in Scottish culture.
How did black cats become associated with anarchism?
The black cat symbol, often depicted in a leaping posture, became associated with anarchism and labor movements in the early 20th century.
Known as the “sabo-tabby,” it represents wildcat strikes and radical labor actions, symbolizing defiance and the fight for workers’ rights.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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