by ROWENA MILLS
You’ve probably heard the myth that “black cats bring bad luck” for as long as you can remember — though you may not even know where you learned it. Often linked to dark magic and superstition, these false ideas have been passed down for generations, leaving black cats to walk the line between fear and fascination.
But how did these myths begin? And what does science say about black cats now?
Negative beliefs about black cats date back to ancient times. In Greek mythology, Zeus’ wife, Hera, turned Galinthias into a black cat as punishment. Galinthias then began to assist the goddess of witchcraft, Hecate. Black cats have been associated with witchcraft ever since.
Although several thousand years have gone by, myths still influence some people, probably unknowingly. While most people might not consider themselves superstitious or realize why they pass over black kitties at animal shelters, the numbers tell a different story: 71 percent of cats in shelters are euthanized, and most of those are black; black cats spend 40 percent more time in shelters than other cats. They are especially vulnerable to cruelty and abuse during Halloween (as are all cats) and should be kept safe indoors.
However, not all cultures take a negative view of black kitties. Although some prejudice against them exists in Ireland, they are considered to bring good fortune thanks to the legend of the “bog cat.” The bog cat — large, swift and cunning — patrolled the shores of Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland. People who saw the feline were rewarded with happiness and wealth. Today, many Irish gift shops sell ornaments or charms representing the bog cat.
English and Irish sailors once kept black cats on ships to ensure safe voyages, and their families believed these cats brought good fortune at home. Many superstitions developed about why black cats are helpful on ships. Some of the beliefs could have a basis in fact because ships’ cats work in rodent control, which helps curb the spread of diseases.
In China and Japan, black cats are admired for their charm and are revered for bringing prosperity and positive outcomes. During the Japanese Edo Period (1603–1868), people thought black cats could ward off evil spirits. In Japanese culture, cats, in general, are harbingers of good fortune.
The fact is black cats have scientifically backed good fortune. They have a slightly longer lifespan than other cats. Research has shown that melanin, the gene that makes their fur black, protects against ultraviolet radiation. Melanin also helps in the development of the immune system, making black cats more resistant to certain diseases, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV or “feline AIDS”). Scientists use that information to study human diseases.
Of the 37 species of cats, 11 can have black fur. Black cats might have a higher degree of genetic diversity than some other cats, which is another health benefit. Their dark fur might aid in camouflage and help with night hunting, thus perpetuating the survival of the species through the centuries.
Whether you are intrigued by their mystery or science-based resilience, black cats deserve more appreciation than society has given them. Remember throughout Black Cat Awareness Month, they are as loving, loyal and deserving as cats of any other color — and maybe healthier! As it turns out, they’re lucky, and so are you if you have one in your life.
