Black cats are surrounded by superstition and myth, but there’s more to the story than just what crosses your path. Discover 15 surprising facts about black cats!
15 Facts About Black Cats
1. Black is the most common cat color
Have you ever felt like there are black cats everywhere? It’s not your imagination! Black fur is very common among cats. The reason is genetic.
Cats get their color from eumelanin, a pigment that gives their dark fur color. If a cat inherits even one black fur gene from either parent, it will be a black cat! Dark fur gives them an advantage when hunting at night in the wild.
2. Black cats have a low adoption rate.
Black cats are common, but unfortunately they are less adopted than cats of other colors. Perhaps superstitions related to bad luck or witches still influence people’s decisions. However, adopting a black cat can be a life-saving act, and can add a special charm to your home.
3. Even black cats can 'rust' in sunlight
Yes, you read that right! Just as hair lightens in the summer, a black cat’s fur can lighten when exposed to sunlight. If a cat spends a lot of time in the sun, its fur can turn red or orange. This happens because the sun bleaches the fur. And that color change can last until the cat sheds!
4. Completely black cats are very rare.
You might think that a black cat is completely black, but it is actually rare to find a 100% black cat. Most black cats have small patches of white or other colors somewhere, such as on their whiskers, paw pads, or random parts of their fur. When a cat sheds, the whiskers can also grow back in a different color.
Check the paw pads! Dark-haired cats usually have black or gray paw pads, while light-haired cats have pink paw pads. So don’t be surprised if your black cat has a little color somewhere.
5. Famous Black Cats You Might Know
Black cats are also prominent in popular culture! You’ve probably seen them on TV or in movies. Some famous black cats include:
- Salem (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
- Banks (Hocus Pocus)
- Isis (Star Trek)
And that's not all! Here are some famous real-life black cats:
- India: India, the First Cat during George W. Bush's presidency, was a black cat who lived to be 18 years old.
- Blackie: Blackie, the richest cat in the world, inherited $12.5 million from his owner!
- Oscar: The legendary cat who was the first to receive two Fuji prosthetic legs, Oscar is known as the 'Bionic Cat'.
6. Black cats often have yellow eyes.
Did you know that black cats almost always have beautiful yellow eyes? Their eye color is influenced by the same pigment (eumelanin) that gives their fur its dark color. Most black cats boast yellow, gold, or copper-colored eyes. Some cats can even have green eyes! However, kittens start out with blue eyes, and their eye color changes after about 3 to 4 months.
7. The only breed that is always black
While many breeds can have black fur, the Bombay is the only breed that is always black. Born in the 1950s as a cross between a Burmese cat and an American Shorthair, the Bombay is often called the “living room leopard” because of its sleek, shiny black fur and striking copper-colored eyes.
Other breeds that can have black fur include:
- Sphinx
- Persian
- Ragamuffin
- Scottish Fold
- American Curl
- American Bobtail
8. Black cats are not bad luck
Forget old superstitions! Black cats have long been considered symbols of bad luck since the Middle Ages. But what is it? They are not bad luck at all! In fact, British and Irish sailors took black cats on board ships to bring good luck and protect their ships from storms. These cats were also great at catching pesky rats on board ships.
9. Black cats have their own special day
Black cats are so special that they have not one, but two anniversaries!
- October 27th is 'National Black Cat Day', which coincides with Halloween.
- August 17th is 'National Black Cat Appreciation Day'.
10. Black cats may be stronger
Black cats may be genetically stronger! Some studies have shown that they may have a stronger resistance to diseases. This could be a great help in human health research. These little leopards are not just pretty faces, they are also tough survivors!
11. The Black Cat and the Witch
Black cats are a symbol of Halloween. You see them everywhere, from costumes to decorations. But have you ever wondered why black cats have such a spooky reputation?
The story goes back to the Middle Ages, when people believed that black cats were associated with witches and even the devil! Some thought that these cats were disguised witches or their secret companions.
Unfortunately, this belief has led to the mass slaughter of black cats, sometimes to the detriment of their owners.
Even today, black cats are still considered sinister symbols, and many animal shelters refuse to accept black cats in October for fear that they will be used in dark rituals. That’s scary stuff!
12. Black cats are helpers in your love life.
The “cat lady” stereotype is over! In some parts of the world, owning a black cat can actually help your romantic life.
In Japan, single women who keep black cats are believed to attract more suitors. In the Midlands region of England, black cats are given to brides as wedding gifts, as they are believed to bring good luck and happiness. Who knew that these mysterious cats could help with love so much?
13. The Black Cat and the History of Navigation
Did you know that sailors used to take cats on board ships to catch mice? But British sailors had a special regard for black cats. They believed that a black cat on board would bring good luck and help them get home safely.
Pirates, on the other hand, had a more complicated relationship with black cats. If a black cat approached them, it was considered bad luck, but if it moved away, it was considered good luck. If the cat jumped overboard, it was considered a sign that the ship was going to sink!
14. Black cats are not a specific breed
Not all black cats belong to a particular breed, but many breeds contain cats with black fur. However, there is one breed that is specifically bred to be black, and that is the Bombay. These cats look like little leopards with black fur, black whiskers, and black paw pads! But don’t worry, they are just as cute and affectionate as any other house cat.
15. Black is a dominant gene
In cat genetics, black is the dominant color. Most black cats may have a white spot here and there, but overall, black is the most common color. So if you see a lot of black cats, now you know why!
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Cats
1. How long do black cats live?
It doesn't matter if your cat is black, white, or orange! Cats that live indoors usually live about 15 years, but those that spend time outdoors can have a shorter lifespan. It's much safer to live indoors!
2. Are black cats affectionate?
Just like people, every cat has its own personality! Some black cats are very affectionate and friendly, while others may be more independent. It all depends on the cat’s personality, not the color of their fur.
3. Why do black cats have bald spots?
Black cats may appear to have more bald spots, but this is actually an optical illusion! Their dark fur makes these spots more noticeable. Bald spots can occur for a variety of reasons, including fleas or allergies. If you notice bald spots on your cat, it is a good idea to check with your veterinarian to rule out any health problems.
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