Throughout history, cats have received varying affection and attention. For instance, amongst Ancient Egyptians, cats were adored because of the characteristics they shared with their gods. In other parts of the world, cats were hunted and killed because of their association with Satan and evil practices. Out of all felines, the dark-colored cats continue to face hostility because of superstitions established centuries ago. Most cultures believe that seeing a black cat brings bad luck. These dark-colored felines are also used in spooky films to scare audiences. That said, have you ever wondered where the superstition about black cats came from? And why is it still relevant in the 21st century?
Where the Black Cats’ Superstition Originated
Historians claim that cats were domesticated 10,000 years ago. However, shortly after the domestication, the war against black cats started in the 13th century. In a document referred to as the Vox in Rama, on June 13, 1233, Pope Gregory IX declared black cats as an incarnation of Satan. This document and law were enforced to deal with the growing number of Luciferians in Germany and other parts of Europe who used black cats in their rituals.
During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Church and the witches were at war. The latter were gaining a lot of momentum in Europe, and the Church felt the urge to squash this growth. Interestingly, witches didn’t prefer black cats over other colored felines.
However, when the hunt for witches became fierce, they had to become more cautious. Black cats could easily walk at night without being spotted, so it was more of a practical decision for witches to choose black cats. It had nothing to do with superstition. These misconceptions spread to other parts of the world, and in no time, black cats were associated with evil, bad luck, and witchcraft.
The other thing that spread the superstition around black cats was the Bubonic plague or Black Death that occurred during the Middle Ages. At the time, the civilizations believed that black cats helped spread the plague, resulting in their killing spree.
This didn’t work because rodents were spreading the plague. With no cats in the ecosystem, the plague spread even further. Besides the Bubonic plague, in Norse mythology, there is a story about Freya, the goddess of fertility whose chariot was pulled by two black cats. The devil possessed the two cats at one point, and Freya later rewarded them by turning them into witches.
The Black Cats’ Superstition in Modern Times
Even in modern society, the superstition surrounding black cats remains to be upheld. For instance, when the Chicago Cubs lost a major game in 1969, they blamed their loss on a black cat that had initially passed through their pitch. TV shows like Sabrina The Teenage Witch and Curse of the Black Cat also continue to propel the superstition associating cats with witches.
People believe black cats bring bad luck because numerous superstitions have wired our minds to associate this feline with witches. Back to the Church, during the days of the Renaissance, when someone crossed paths with a black cat, they would run to the Church and ask the priest to bless them. The Church may have fueled this superstition to attract more members.
Proof That Black Cats Don’t Bring Bad Luck
To prove how invalid the superstition around black cats is, black cats are a symbol of good luck in some cultures, such as the Japanese and Scottish. In these two cultures, black cats attract prosperity. If black cats were evil, they would be shunned in all parts of the world. On the other hand, in Britain, sailors kept black cats to ensure success at sea. Back home, their wives would also keep black cats to guarantee the safe return of their husbands.
What Are the Effects of The Black Cats Superstition on the Felines?
The negative superstition about black cats has significantly affected the feline community – the National Library of Medicine states that black cats have a euthanasia rate of 74.6%. This is the highest percentage compared to other colored felines. They also have an adoption rate of 10%, which is the lowest, and this includes kittens with black coats. As a result, most black cats have to spend the rest of their lives at animal shelters.
The truth is that black cats are no different from other felines. They are still playful, social and make the perfect companion. As long as they are adequately cared for, black cats will be loyal to you to the very end. Contrary to popular belief, black cats have a very unique coat and will always stand out.