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Have you ever heard someone say that you’ll have bad luck if a black cat crosses your path? When Halloween comes around have you noticed that scary décor includes bats, vampires, witches, skeletons and black cats? And who can forget the television show “Sabrina The Teenage Witch” that starred a black cat named Salem? Where did all of this black cat nonsense begin?
From Revered To Feared
Long ago, the ancient Egyptians revered all cats, but the black in particular was worshipped as a goddess. Fast forward to Europe in the Middle Ages when someone decided that black cats were evil and if you owned one, you were certainly a witch. This folklore was carried along for many years and this why you see them on Halloween, hanging out with the teenage witch, and even paling around with those wacky witches in the movie “Hocus Pocus.”
Today, black cats still carry that negative reputation. If you plan to do some gambling in Las Vegas, watch out for the black cat. If one crosses your path on the way to the casino, it is advisable that you not play that day. Animal shelters say that they black colored cats are the most difficult cats to adopt out. Even in this modern and enlightened time period, no one wants to take the risk on the possibility of bad luck!
Of course, other cultures have different takes on the black cat, such as:
- In England (except Yorkshire) and Ireland, a black cat crossing your path is good luck. In Yorkshire, it’s still bad luck if they cross your path, but it’s lucky to own one.
- Giving a black cat as a gift to a bride in the English Midlands is also good luck.
- The Scottish believe that a black cat arriving at your door means prosperity is on the way.
- Germans believe that a black cat crossing your path from right to left is still bad, but if it crosses left to right, it’s a good thing.
- In Japan, black cats are good luck; especially to the single ladies. If you own one, a man might come calling soon.
- The Russians believe that all cats are good luck no matter what color they are (we like this idea!)
- If you happen to be a pirate, watch the actions of a black cat. If it walks toward you, it’s bad luck. If it walks away from you; good luck. If it gets on your ship and then gets right back off, the ship will surely sink. Yar!
- If you happen to be a fisherman who does no pirating, then black cats are very lucky and very valuable at sea and at home.
How They Get Their Color
The truth is, black cats are made that way through genetics, not because they hold membership in the league of Satan. A dominant black gene makes them pure black, but add in a recessive red gene and they’ll appear to look rusty in the sun. The only “purebred” black cat is the Bombay, who is a friendly and adaptable black cat who will play fetch, guard your house, and walk on a leash, much like a black lab!
Aside from the Bombay, there are 21 other pure breeds that can be found in the color of black. This means they have pure black fur (no rust to be found), black noses, and black or brown pads on their paws. Some of these include:
- American and Japanese Bobtail
- Devon Rex
- Manx
- Persian
- Ragamuffin
- Scottish Fold
- Siberian
- Sphynx
- Norwegian Forrest Cat
No matter what the breed, black cats are just as awesome as any other colored cat and should be considered an excellent addition to your home. With a little bit of luck, they’ll bring you lots of love and joy for years to come.
The Best Food For Salem, Batman, Birdy, Or Even Pete
Feeding your black cat requires knowing what the best ingredients are for her. She’s going to need a food that includes real meat, not just by-products. By-products can be any part of the cow or bird; including those not fit for human consumption. Though some by-products can contain a good amount of glucosamine, which is excellent for joint health, you want to be sure that it comes from a very reputable company. With many companies, you just don’t know what you’re getting in the by-product; it could be beaks and bones and brains for all we know.
Stay away from any food that is filled with corn in any form; corn gluten, corn meal, whole ground corn. These are just inexpensive fillers and though they do provide a source of protein, they can also cause allergies in some cats who are sensitive. If your cat is not sensitive, and it isn’t the first ingredient on the food list, you can try it as long as it has plenty of real meat and other good ingredients.
The Top 10 Cat Foods For Midnight, Blackie, Ebony, Or Even Felix
The top 10 cat foods (in no specific order) that will keep your black cat stay as charming and bewitching as ever include lots of real meat or fish, no artificial colors or dyes, and no chemical-based preservatives. Find one that your kitty likes and stick with it to keep her purring right along.
10) Addiction – New Zealand Venison & Apples
9) Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Adult Salmon
8) Nutro Ultra Wholesome Essentials
7) Merrick Purrfect Bistro Health Adult Chicken
6) The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Turkey
5) By Nautre Adult Dry
4) Solid Gold Indigo Moon All Life Stages
3) Wellness Complete Health Indoor Health
2) Wysong Optimal Vitality
1) Orijen Cat and Kitten Formula
There you have it. Forget the title of harbinger of doom and consider your black cat the harbinger of affection; and you’ll receive lots of it when you pick a food that meets her nutritional needs and tastes fantastic.
