National Black Cat Day is a time to do away with all those crazy superstitions that these felines are symbols of witchcraft or bad luck and start seeing them as the elegant and affectionate little creatures that they are.
While it's true that black cats are often viewed as being a sign of impending doom, in some corners of the world, they're actually considered to be good luck. In the south of France, for example, people believe that a black cat that’s treated well and respected will bestow good fortune on whoever owns it.
So although they often have to pad through life with the stereotype that they're bad luck hanging over their heads, thankfully some cultures have recognised them for the loving and playful kitties that they are.
With National Black Cat Day here once gain, there's never been a better time to celebrate these little beauties in all of their glory, because while they may be as dark as coal, they have personalities that are as sweet as sugar.
Here’s everything you need to know about this special annual event...
What is National Black Cat Day?
While in countries such as Scotland, England, and Japan, the black cat is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, in most parts of the western world, black cats are still associated with negative connotations.
Sadly, the black cat's unfortunate reputation as being unlucky means that they experience lower rates of adoption and higher rates of euthanization compared to all other cat breeds.
But fear not, because that’s exactly what brought National Black Cat Day into existence, an annual event that aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding these magnificent creatures. The first Black Cat Day came about with the idea to draw attention to the sheer number of homeless black cats in the care of charities and shelters and the apparent reluctance of people to adopt them.
When is National Black Cat Day?
National Black Cat Day is celebrated on October 27th each year – in 2024, that date falls on a Sunday.
Are black cats bad luck?
They’re not! In some In some European folklore, black cats are considered to be common companions of witches. In contrast, Welsh folklore depicts black cats in a more positive light, suggesting they would bring luck to a home. Some people believe them to be a reliable weather predictor.
One of the oldest and most enduring superstitions is that crossing paths with a black cat will bring you bad luck. Black cats have also become intertwined with modern Halloween symbols, giving them the false reputation of being spooky.
How to get involved in National Black Cat Day
Whether you own a black cat or just love them to pieces, there are several ways you can get in on all the National Black Cat Day spirit. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Show off your black cat on social media
If you’re the proud pet parent of one of these little beauties, then why not spend the day showing them off on social media? Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok, you can upload photos and videos of your feline to raise awareness of this important event. Just make sure you hashtag your entries with #BlackCatDay.
You could throw in a few black cat facts, too, for good measure.
2. Adopt a black cat
According to PETA, black cats are two-thirds less likely than white cats to be adopted and 50% less likely than tabby cats to find a new home, so if you’re in a position to do so, why not head down to your local animal shelter and welcome your very own Sylvester into the family.
3. Have a black cat TV marathon
From Salem in Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Bagheera in The Jungle Book to Snowball in The Simpsons and Lucifer in Cinderella, there are more than enough TV shows and movies featuring black cats to keep you entertained for the day.
4. Get baking
If you find being in the kitchen therapeutic, why not whip up a batch of homemade cat treats? You can either spoil your own kitty or cash in on Halloween and make some homemade Halloween cat treats that you can sell with the profits going to your local animal shelter.
National Black Cat Day vs National Black Cat Appreciation Day
There’s not actually a lot of difference between the two! National Black Cat Appreciation Day is held on August 17th and is basically just another day where we get to celebrate our furry black friends. Because, let’s face it, these little guys need all the love they can get.
There’s also International Cat Day, which is celebrated every August.
