A History of Black Cats – the good. the bad. the thoughtfully creative.

Author: Samantha M.

In the wake of The Boston Globe’s fear factor article, we’ve been scouring the interwebs (you know, like Wikipedia) and seeking input from fans, followers and friends all over the globe in search of black cat tales – from anecdotes to legends. Black cats are famous, you know!

From Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Black Cat“, the Marvel Comics character and Coraline to Neil Gaiman’s short story, “The Price” (thank you Beth E. & Ethan S.) and Janet Jackson’s famous-ish song the symbolism of a black cat is found throughout American (and global) culture. As Freeman J. Dyson once stated: “Our thinking is permeated by our historical myths”.

Although some of these stories are spooktacular (great for those of you who do not want to say goodbye to Halloween), others portray the faithful, loving, strong and overall amazing furry friends that cross our paths each day.

Dr. Laurie Nadel & Bogart

Catster recently had a guest post discussing unique challenges and misconceptions that black cats often face. What stood out to us is the story of Dr. Laurie Nadel and Bogart. Laurie explains that she has found that black cats often seem more “empathic and intuitive” than other cats.  ”When I had bronchitis a few years ago, Bogart would perch on my chest and put his right front paw where my breathing was tight,” Laurie explained in the post. She goes on to describe her how Bograt became a Reiki healer stating that “since then, he has been an essential part of my Reiki practice….I even have testimonial letters from people thanking my black cat!”

At Black Cat Rescue we hear stories EVERYday about the special energy and connection people sense with their black cat companions. Roxanne R. has four black cats, each of whom has “brought their own magic when I needed them the most”.

Hachikō

Tobias B. shared with us that growing up included the tales of a black cat like Hachikō (ハチ公. Although we do not know the details of this story, one can only the image of remarkable loyalty. 

Freya, the ancient Nordic goddess of love, marriage and prosperity

The mythology varies, but with similar detail. An incredibly beautiful deity who is said to have wept tears of gold, Freya was also a fierce warrior as shared with us by Ethan S. One of the many names by which she was known was the Mistress of the Cats, and it was said that the chariot in which she sat was drawn by a pairs of great cats with fur blacker than the midnight sky.

Feline goddess of ancient Egyptian religion

 

 

The Egyptian goddess Bast (or Bastet) was known as the cat goddess. Egyptians believed they could gain favor from Bastet by hosting black cats in their home. English monarch Charles I held this belief as well. When his treasured black cat passed, he claimed that his luck was gone and he was arrested the very next day and charged with high treason.

 

Of course you know they’re witches, right?

 

Black cats born in May were said to be strongly associated with witchcraft  and were often drowned + supposedly, it is bad luck to discuss family matters when a black cat is present, lest it be a witch in disguise. (via @ecowitch)

 

 

Symbolising evil omens and harboring the ability to change into human shape to act as a spy or messenger for witches or demons are some of the mostly widely known legends of black cats (in the US). When settlers arrived in the Americas, they had a previously developed and deepening suspicion of anything associated with the devil. Due to the sisterhood of witch and black cat, anyone caught with a black cat was severely punished or even killed. Similar superstitions led people to kill black cats during the Middle Ages, increasing the rat population and the spread of the bubonic plague.  

 

In the town of Kidwelly, in Carmarthenshire…

(Full disclosure, I think this is my personal favorite.)

 

 

Speaking of black cats and the plague…in Southwest Wales, where Angel J. lives, there is a legend about a particular black cat. As the tale goes, when people came to the town, long after it had been ravaged by the Black Plague, the only living creature they found was a single black cat. The black cat is now the traditional mascot of Kidwelly!

 

Crossing your path…

 

If your driving and a black cat crosses in front of you, you should turn your car around or receive bad luck (via @Lilymoon89)

 

The gambling world believes that if (while traveling to a casino) a black cat crosses your road or path, that person should not go to the casino; most players believe that black cats bring bad luck.

 

Most of western and southern Europe considers the black cat as a symbol of bad luck. Crossing paths with a person is an omen of misfortune and death. HOWEVER things are a bit more complicated in Germany. A black cat crossing a person’s path from right—> to left<—, is a bad omen while from left<— to right—>, the cat is granting favorable times.

 

Similarly pirates of the 19th Century believed that if a black cat walks towards someone, that person will have bad luck. HOWEVER if a black cat walks away from someone, that person will have good luck. Unfortunately if a black cat walks onto a ship and then walks off it, the ship is doomed to sink on its next trip. So maybe if you happen upon a furry little black friend, you might consider not shooing away you new acquaintance away too quickly.

 

But for those always seeking good luck!

 

Sailors often sought out black ”ship’s cat“ to bring good luck and fishermen’s wives would keep black cats at home in the hope that they would be able to use their influence to protect their husbands while at sea. Other good tales of good fortune include (but are not limited too):

 

• Black cats have the coolest personalities, and in Japan black manekineko (beckoning cats) are a wish for good health. (via @msgeek93)
• According to Vickie G. to dream of a black cat is lucky.
• Scottish Lore: A strange black cat on a porch brings prosperity to the owner. (via Vickie G. + many others)
• Dawn M. also shares that naming your cat(s) 3 times confuses the devil. That’s good luck, right?
• In Great Britain and in Ireland, black cats are a symbol of good luck.
• It is believed that a lady who owns a black cat will have many suitors. Booya!

And to all you wonderful adopters…

Cats should never be bought with money. Doing so means they will be bad mousers. (via @ecowitch)

To learn more about black cat symbolism in anarcho-syndicalism, worldwide culture and more Wikipedia is a wealth of knowledge! Please share more of the myths, folklore and personal tales of black cats that you’ve come to know in the comments below…

Everyone Deserves a Home

Author: Samantha M.

Black cats are half as likely to get adopted as cats of other colors. Some face even larger challenges like Silly and Missy who were surrendered to a local shelter when their owner became too ill to care for them.

One of the most amazing things that two loving adopters discovered about Silly is that although he can’t see, he is incredibly trusting while Missy enjoys some quiet time perched in the window. Isn’t she stunning in her forever home?

Last month Petfinder ran their “Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet” campaign in an effort to give those animals who might be overlooked a second chance. We share those “she’s just not adoptable” stories about Black Cat Rescue cats every day, but on September 20, 2011 we posted the following question on our Facebook page: “Do YOU have a pet that would be considered ‘unadoptable’ by some?”

We are so touched by the stories – so many and so personal – that have been posted in response to this simple question, we’re sharing them here. Thank you to EVERYONE who has given a homeless pet a second chance and a special thanks to our fans who have grown to love these “unadoptable” beauties.

Lorelei W. posted:

Yes, a 16 year old grumpy puss with thyroid issues and diabetes.

Sarah C. posted:

Not currently, but used to have a cat that hated to be petted and would bite like he meant it, because he did.

Tina S. posted:

Yes, a black feral female 1 year old that had babies at one time. She is all mine!  A 20 year old brown tabby with kidney disease and arthritis. But to me both my girls are the best but I know in a shelter they may not have a chance.

Peach K. posted:

Possibly…a sweet black female that I think has a recurring (very mild) viral respiratory infection. (Not disclosed by humane society.) Fortunately my existing cat is vaccinated and, hopefully, safe.

Natasha S. posted:

I actually had a black cat that was deemed unadoptable. She was a feral kitten and incredibly shy and afraid. Her siblings were the complete opposite. I had fostered her briefly until my cat Jack (icon) got sick from the stress of having her and her siblings around. After her siblings were adopted the rescue thought it would be difficult to place her. They knew how much I loved black cats so they offered to let me have her and I agreed. At the start of the summer of 2010 she and my cat Jack went to stay with my parents while I went on a road trip/vacation. My mom fell in absolute love with her and she fell in love with my mom. She still runs away from people, except my mom. They hang out together constantly.

Melinda B. posted:

Not now, but when I was in college I found a stray kitten who was beautiful, but never used the litter box, no matter how clean I kept it. Every day I would clean up after her. It was a chore, but she was a lovable little girl. Sadly cancer took her when she was 6.

Kerri S. posted:

I have a very temperamental black cat who is almost impossible to bring to the vet. She doesn’t like to be restrained in any way. She had been in the shelter for almost a year when I adopted her this summer.

Molly A. posted:

My girls are 9 & 10 and not always social, especially with strangers, but they’re my babies!

Twala E. posted:

Yes, I have a foster, boxer/pit mix. He has ”issues” and he has been with me since 12/27/10 I love him and he will stay with me forever. He may be considered ‘unadoptable’ but he is SUPER LOVABLE! ♥

Grommitt E. posted:

I’m almost 15, missing an eye and a tail.

Ferol J. posted:

Yes, I recently adopted an all black cat who had been at the shelter at Nevins for months and months. I love the fact that he’s all black and think it’s so sad that for some that makes him less desirable.

Jennifer K. posted:

I’ve got a 17-year old black gentleman with kidney failure who gets a subcutaneous fluid infusion every other day. I’ve had him since he was a 2 pound kitten!

Siru L. posted:

I have two semi-ferals who could not be adopted as they are so afraid of humans. They come to me, touch my face & roll in front of me to show their affection, but I’m not allowed to touch them. If I move my hand towards them, they run away (and come back after some seconds). They hiss at people they don’t know. People want cats that they can cuddle, so these two would never be chosen. And BTW, they are HUGE and one of them is black.

My late cat would have been adopted for her beauty & sociability, but she also would have been returned very quickly as she was a totalitarian dominant & jealous of her human & demanding with a loud voice & not hesitating peeing anywhere else but the toilet if I stayed away for a bit longer. She died of brain cancer at age 16 years 9 months.

The companion of the previous is 18 years old & has CRF, so if she was at a shelter, nobody would take her…

I love all my cats & will make sure they will never be offered for adoption. They’re forever home is with me.

Jennifer G. posted:

Yes, Freddy is afraid of everything and everyone, though at the age of 4, he is starting to calm down… a little.

Kelty H. posted:

Same thing as Jennifer above, but with a black female I named Runty. She is ten years old and chubby now. Such a sweet, and meek, temperament.

Dana B. posted:

Yes. I rescued a one-eyed feral kitten literally from the middle of the street where cars were driving over her! It was three months before she ever let me touch her. I couldn’t turn her in because I knew she would be put down because of her fear of humans. Luckily, I had just adopted two other kittens the day before we found her and she bonded with them and was happy to be in our house. I am still the only human she will let touch her or come near her but she is very loving a devoted to me. I’m glad we kept her. ♥

Tammy D. posted:

Yes, three black cats. One is the best cat ever, however. Another is awesome with me, but is generally skittish around other people. And the third is just an idiot, but I love her anyway. All three are a ‘foster fail’ where I fostered pregnant mommy cat and ended up keeping her and 2 of the kittens after homes weren’t easily found (and I sorta got too attached…).

Emily H. posted:

My lovely BeeGee that I adopted last year – 16, one eye, and diabetic And Herbie, my senior snowshoe with FIV and tumors…my foster Tristan is VERY adoptable, he’s been adopted 4 times in the last 2 years…(poops outside the litter box and is declawed, so he can’t be an outside kitty).

… Oh, I forgot my two house ferals – even I can’t touch them!

Bill E. posted:

We adopted a beautiful black cat last year. When we first saw him, I thought it wasn’t a good idea because our other cats would pick on him. He has clubbed feet that did not fully develop in the back and waddles when he walks. He has two claws on one side and three on the other. We tried it, and he fit right in with our four males. We’re so glad we gave Charles a chance. He’s been with us for over a year and has no problem keeping up with the other boys. We love him.

Theresa M. posted:

I have a soft spot for black cats. My latest arrived at a mere 3 ounces and was bottle fed for over a month. He went wherever I went for that entire month. When I got him, he was on his way to the local (high-kill) animal shelter after his mama was hit and killed by a car. There was no way I was going to let that happen – he would not have made it to closing time. He’s almost 5 months old now, 6.5 pounds, and just got fixed last week. Terrorizing the older cats and shredding mini blinds. But, he’s still a keeper.

Sue G. posted:

We have several- that is partly why we started doing rescue. We have a few kitties who love other cats, but really don’t care for people. Panther lost an eye. Kepi was very emotionally fragile after an abusive start in life. Merlin had bouts of diarrhea that stumped the vets. Titi and Osiris were 14 when we took them in. Arthur had CH. The list goes on…we love them all.

Wendy A. posted:

My old Patch, sadly departed last year with thyroid problems, the tablets slowed her BP down and the vet couldn’t do any more for her . She was a feisty feral. A sweet girl with me, what I call a one woman cat. She loved me and the dog and hated the other cats. Still miss the old girl. I had to litter box train her once I had lured her in off the street with nightly coaxing with tasty tidbits. My bed was watered and my bedding was in the machine every day until the magic day she used the tray . No more morning scrub downs in the bath for me, lol. She was the most loving girl, she appreciated home comforts so much as she had been sleeping under cars before i tamed her, her white fur was black with dirt. She was ever so pretty once I got the layer of street grime off her though. Feisty cats are the best. X

Lashana S. posted:

My last cat, carrot, who sadly died this last June at the age of four had idiopathic epilepsy. She had developed it at the age of 9 months and we gave her the best life we could. In the end it wasn’t even the epilepsy which took her out, but rather a stroke.

Vickie G. posted:

Two Black cats and a little goofball pitbull. We also have a wonderful shepherd / chow mix that is a little neurotic with loud noises. They are all amazing and make our home complete ♥

Karin T. posted:

My monkey (Black stray/feral) I found and took over a year (of one on one work) to get him to be the loveable boy he is today – but back when I found him not many people who have taken as much time as I did to tame him – but he was WELL WORTH IT!

Jes A. posted:

YES! A wonderful cat born incontinent but otherwise healthy. She’s great, and we diaper her for part of the day and give her a bath/break in a room we have just for her. It’s a solution that works for us and her (she’s super bonded to us and very social, so a sanctuary wouldn’t have worked for her. I don’t think I would’ve been able to do it, anyway).

Julia W. posted:

A semi feral that loves only me , a one eyed cat, a cat with chronic URI, a dane that was aggressive as a youngster, another dane that is a tad destructive..lol, and a poodle that has ”split” personalities and has to be on meds!! and yes I’m into rescue…hahaha!!

Kristy H. posted:

My newest has a dead eye, so many shied away. Their loss! He is a handsome boy with such a shiny coat. Think he is part Russian Blue. AND a love bug to boot!!!!

Jacquie B. posted:

Yes, a couple of cats that I call street strays, others call feral, who are perfect house cats, but you can’t pick them up and they don’t curl up on your lap. Otherwise, they like to be pet and they purr and they are very sweet.

Jill S. posted:

Yes, a 10 year old brindle pittie who has severe allergies. I give him allergy shots 1x week.

Lisa Z. posted:

Yes indeed!! My little black kitty we adopted from a shelter, had seizures, probably a tumor/heart attack, digestive issues… she requires 2x/day medication now She went blind for a while and lost her coordination. She’s OK now and still the sweetest most affectionate cat ever!!

Tina O. posted:

Yes A 2 year old female who attacks my other cats randomly. None of my other cats like her.

Laura C. posted:

Lilo, my black cat I found abandoned when he was about 2weeks old. He has missed placed emotions, but normally he’s a sweet kitty.

Carol R. posted:

I have a kitty that was labeled “unsocialable”. He is now my most lovey dovey one.

Melissa B. posted:

I rescued a Yorkie abused as a stud to make puppies and horribly mistreated. He’s a nasty little dog, but he loves me for some reason, and hates everyone else.

Stevie Cat (pictured to the right) posted:

Well, I’m a blind black kitty, and my sister is a deaf, half-blind kitty. My mom adopts rescues.

Fee-Saskia F. posted:

As soon as the tiniest change occurs, my black cat “marks” everything and we have tried everything so far. Still, we wouldn’t want to miss her and neither would our two tabbies.

Francesca D. posted:

How’s a one eyed neuro -impaired cat, or a one eared snaggle toothed, giant cat who occasionally jumps on visitors backs to hug and kiss them, and sprays when he’s nervous? Then there’s the 16 year old, deaf, selectively housebroken, beats up on big dogs Jack Russell Terrier….or my boyfriend’s cat who will attack like a dog if you look him in the eye.. But we love them all and wouldn’t trade any of them for the world.

Amy B. posted:

Probably not, but one of my kitty girls is timid and when we first got her she would hide. She has come into her own now and I have considered finding a special needs cat, but I’m a little afraid to shake up the household.

Raven S. posted:

I have 2 handicapped cats (severe) and 2 black cats.

Chris B. posted:

I have a sweet, loving black cat with only one eye. Every black cat I have ever had was loving, faithful and sweet. I love them!

Ariana P. posted:

Two, Purgatory a stray we found starving. Very bossy. This cat would tell me what was going to happen (lol) and another black cat that’s elderly (declawed) and “mean” according to others. Doesn’t like me much, prefers guys but we get on fine as long as I give her space. (lol)

Kat S. posted:

Yes. My DLH black Sonni has asthma, IBD, pancreatitis, and diabetes. We treat her for all of them and are keeping her as healthy and happy for as long as possible. She’s 10, and we love her so much.

Tobias B. posted:

Yes, my little tuxedo cat Parsifal is a very snarky boy who demands fresh food every 20 minutes (which he demands very loudly) and refuses to let his claws be trimmed almost to the point of breaking his own legs to struggle free (we have to wrap him up in a towel to even attempt it) and is “mean” in that he bites/claws anybody except the ‘chosen one’ if they try to pet him. No physical medical problems, but definite personality issues.

Stephanie W. posted:

Yes- Our cat Oliver who adopted us and has a biting problem but we are working with it and he is doing much better over time.

Also we own two ferals (mom and son) Mom does not want to be touched the son is sweet yet quirky–we have had them both since the son was kitten–they are now elderly, the son is 14–not sure of mom’s age but she looks great!

Laura S. posted:

Black cat with a broken tail.

Joan D. posted:

I have had 2 “difficult cats” both female torties … I had one for many (15 +) years and then when she passed on, got the new one … both girls were not too social — my current Lola growls when you pick her up, and will only let you pet her for a short while before she bites you … I think some cats are wired differently … but I love (loved) both of them!!

Marcella H. posted:

Most of my love muffins have been unadoptable except by crazy people like me & my husband.

Update: Yofi and Motek

Yofi (formerly Nika) and Motek (formerly Baby) prove that two black cats are even better than one!  These two beauties have found a wonderful forever home where they can spend their days together, snuggling and snoozing.

Un Gato Negro en Guatemala

I felt right at home studying Spanish in Guatemala after I met this little guy—a beautiful black cat who is a permanent resident at the Mountain School.  His official job title is pest control, but he really excels at lap-warming.  He charmed all of the students, and gave me an opportunity to talk about the difficulties faced by black cats in shelters across the U.S.A.

Cookie’s Happy Ending!

After quite a few obstacles on his journey to a forever home, Cookie is living the good life! He has a diverse group of friends, a loving new Mom and a great living situation that meets his particular needs. Since Cookie is such a special case, we had to go way outside of Boston to find him his ideal setup. He found his home at Lost Island Farm in Falls Village, CT.

All of the vet trips, sleepless nights and fundraising were worth it. Just look at him chilling with his new crew!

Thank you all for the generous donations and outpouring of support for Cookie and BCR during his medical ordeal. Congratulations to Cookie!!!

Meet Keiko

Keiko is a handsome tuxedo who came to Black Cat Rescue after his previous owner passed away.  He is a wonderful companion and a total sweetheart who loves to cuddle and be pet.  He’s also full of personality, breaking with his normally calm demeanor to chase toys around his foster home.  He has been waiting patiently for his forever home, where he can again be the light of someone’s life.

We can’t believe that this wonderful boy hasn’t attracted more suitors, so contact Black Cat Rescue to meet Keiko today!

Update: Dulcie and Grim

Another happy update from a family that took in not one, but two cats from Black Cat Rescue!  Dulcie (a tabby, formerly Rosie) and Grim (a black cat, formerly Bogart) have settled perfectly into their forever home.

Dulcie took a little time to warm up to Grim, but she is now loving life in a two-cat household.

These are two cats with big personalities, who clearly love each other and their people!  It’s so nice to hear about another happy adoption!

Rest in Peace, Pretty Boy

Pretty Boy recently passed away, having been diagnosed with late stage cancer. The boy who came to us having had such a hard life spent his last six months experiencing true happiness. He had a person who adored him and whom he adored. He had soft sleeping spots and big windows. It is heartbreaking that his time with Helen was so short, but we know that it was full of love.

We will miss an amazing cat, and our thoughts are with Helen during this sad time. Rest in peace, Pretty Boy.

Bella and Pom Pom

*Please note that Bella and Pom Pom are not in the care of Black Cat Rescue. We are just helping their caretakers get the word out about this special pair looking for a forever home!*

Bella & Pom Pom are 6 month old female kittens available for adoption. The are both spayed, vaccinated, FIV/FeLV negative. These darling girls are located in Brooklyn, NY.

Meet Bella and her sister Pom Pom. They were rescued as part of a Trap-Neuter-Return project in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, in January 2011.

Pom Pom’s enchanting good looks coupled with Bella’s humorous charm make this dynamic duo the perfect addition to any family! But what makes them in need of an extra special home is Bella’s disfigurement. She needs someone to embrace her goofiness just like she has!

Bella had been living on the street with a serious injury to her face for nearly a month when she and Pom Pom were trapped on January 29, 2011. Bella is missing the upper lip, most teeth, and part of the lower eyelid on the left side of her face. Multiple surgeries have stabilized the injury and she should lead a perfectly normal life!

Bella is a kitten with a ton of personality — she loves to “talk” and greets you with a “Hello” chirp when you come home, wake up, or otherwise enter her world. The conversation continues until she is appeased with some head scratching and possibly a belly rub. This snuggler inches herself into any comfortable position on you while drowning out your protests with a deafening purr.

Pom Pom’s elegance is the perfect complement to Bella’s irresistible quirkiness. Her exotic looks and graceful movements lend her a regal quality that is nothing short of mesmerizing. While she cannot compete with Bella’s level of affection, Pom Pom is nonetheless a purring machine who enjoys attention in a more reserved manner.

These girls are full of boundless kitten energy and love to play — with each other, with people or with toys. They provide endless entertainment for themselves and those who watch or interact with them during playtime!
Bella and Pom Pom are currently in foster care. While they are loved unconditionally, their time has come to find their forever home — together. An adoption application, home visit and fee are required. Please send an email to bekah.w@gmail.com for more information on making these incredible kittens a part of your life!

Cookie Needs Your Help!

Cookie is recovering from a harrowing and very expensive ordeal. Please check out his story and donate what you can!