With Halloween approaching, we can’t help but wonder: why all the fuss about black cats? Black cats have played a major role in folklore, superstition, and mythology for centuries. In the middle ages, it was believed that witches disguised themselves as cats (black, of course), and that black cats might also be an animal-shaped spirit or demon that would serve a witch or magician, as a spy and companion. Many of these old superstitions have carried over to modern times. Here in the U.S., many people still believe it's bad luck if a black cat crosses your path. But for many of us, black cats are just wonderful pets who serve as sweet folly in the mystical days surrounding Halloween.
But black cats also have exceptionally good reputations in some cultures. When cats were domesticated in the Middle East and Egypt thousands of years ago, the felines took on a very special meaning. The Egyptian black cat was revered for its ability to keep royal food stocks safe from rats, mice and other critters. They even had a cat goddess, Bastet, who was part cat, part woman. She would grant good fortune for those who housed cats. Egyptians’ love and respect for their black cats were so strong that owners would often mummify their cats after death.
And today in Asia and the U.K., a black cat is considered lucky!
If you would like to adopt or sponsor a black cat this Halloween, call us! Love Bug, Mama Roosevelt, Houdini, Jellybean, Momma, Girl, Conor and Sugar Bear will be delighted to meet you!!
AND SPEAKING OF BLACK CATS...
Did You Know that the Black Panther is Really Just a Melanistic Cougar or Jaguar?
That's right. The black panther is not a species unto itself at all – it’s like an albino version of cougars and panthers, but in reverse. Instead of albinism (lack of pigment) these big cats inherited melanism: dark-colored melanin pigment in the skin and fur, usually with amber eyes. And that’s what truly “black cats” are too: melanistic felines.
ADOPT OR SPONSOR A MELANISTIC (BLACK) CAT TODAY!
Share