Key points
Myths about black cats date back to medieval Europe, but a cat's luck, personality, and health have nothing to do with the color of their coat.
Many cultures, including Japan, Scotland, and much of the UK, actually see black cats as a sign of good luck.
Black cats make loving companions, and adopting one is a great idea any time of year (yes, even in October).
Every October, black cats get cast as the villains of the season. They arch their backs on porch decorations and hiss alongside ghosts and witches, while the real ones nap in a sunbeam, blissfully unaware of their reputation.
Most myths about black cats are hundreds of years old, and almost none of them hold up. The story behind the belief about black cats' bad luck says a lot more about medieval Europe than it does about cats.
Below, we dig into where these superstitions came from, debunk the most stubborn ones, and share what's actually true about these sleek, lovable felines.
Where did the black cat superstition come from?
Ancient Egyptians revered cats, but things took a turn in the Middle Ages.
In 1233, Pope Gregory IX issued a papal decree called Vox in Rama in response to fears about heretical cults in Germany. It described initiation rituals involving a black cat, which helped cement the animal's link to devil worship. Cats were persecuted across parts of Europe for centuries afterward, which is ironic, since they were some of the best rodent control around when plague-carrying rats moved through towns.
Puritan settlers later carried these fears to colonial America, where they flared up again during the Salem-era witch panic. Owning a black cat could get you accused of witchcraft, since people believed witches used their cats as spies, or could even shapeshift into them. By the Renaissance, many people believed a black cat in your path had been sent by a witch to do you harm.
Myth #1: Black cats bring bad luck
The idea that a black cat crossing your path spells trouble is the most famous superstition on this list. It took root in medieval Europe and has no basis in fact.
So why does it stick around? Researchers suggest superstitions give people a sense of control over unpredictable situations. Blaming a missed bus on a passing cat is easier than accepting the fact that you’re always running late.
Myth #2: Black cats are witches or their familiars
Black cats and witchcraft have been tied together for centuries. During the Middle Ages and later witch trials, people believed witches kept black cats as familiars (animal helpers) or could even transform into them.
That history also explains why black cats are associated with Halloween. As the holiday picked up witch imagery, black cats came along for the ride, and now they're as much a part of October decor as jack-o'-lanterns.
Myth #3: Black cats are bad omens or signs of death
In some folk traditions, a black cat near a sickbed was taken as a warning. There's zero evidence linking coat color to anyone's fate. If anything, living with a pet is tied to real health benefits for their humans.
Myth #4: Black cats have bad or aggressive temperaments
Some people assume black cats are aloof, moody, or bad-natured. In reality, personality comes from genetics, early socialization, and environment, not fur color. A black cat can be a lap-loving cuddler, a chatty sidekick, or a quiet observer, just like any other cat.
If your black cat does something puzzling, like leaving "gifts" by your shoes, the answer is usually found in common cat behaviors that have nothing to do with color.
Myth #5: Black cats are harder to adopt
You may have heard of "black cat syndrome," the idea that dark-coated cats get passed over in shelters. Fortunately, the data tells a much happier story. When Shelter Animals Count dug into its animal-level shelter data, it found that black cats actually have a strong adoption rate. They may just seem extra plentiful in shelters because black is one of the most common coat colors in cats.
Even better, the same data shows October is an especially big month for black cat adoptions. That helps put another persistent myth to rest: the idea that shelters should pause black cat adoptions around Halloween to keep them safe. There's no reliable data showing black cats are targeted at this time of year, and the claim is widely regarded as an urban legend. So if a black cat steals your heart this spooky season, go for it!
Black cats as good luck around the world
Ask whether black cats are good luck in America and you'll get mixed answers, but plenty of places have revered black cats for centuries:
Location | The belief |
UK | A black cat crossing your path is good luck |
Scotland | A strange black cat on your doorstep signals prosperity |
Japan | A black cat crossing your path brings good fortune |
France | Treat a matagot (magical cat) kindly, and fortune follows |
Italy | Hearing a black cat sneeze is lucky |
Sailors | A black cat on board means safe travels |
The facts: What's actually true about black cats
Now that we’ve dispelled common myths, let’s learn some facts about black cats:
Black isn't a breed. Many breeds can have black coats, but the Bombay is the only one that's exclusively black.
Their color comes from pigment. A dark pigment called eumelanin gives black cats their inky coat.
They can "rust." Lots of sun can break down that pigment, turning a black coat reddish-brown.
Color doesn't determine health. A black cat's lifespan comes down to genetics, good care, and regular vet visits, the same as any cat.
Give a black cat a chance
The myths about black cats are centuries-old cultural inventions, not truths about the sleek house panther curled up on your couch. Black cats are as loving and healthy as any other cat. Still deciding on your next companion? Browse the friendliest cat breeds or hypoallergenic cat breeds, then visit your local shelter and say hello to the black cats waiting there. (You'll want a head start on black cat names.)
FAQ
Are black cats good luck in America?
It depends on who you ask. American folklore largely inherited Europe's bad-luck superstition, but today many Americans celebrate black cats on National Black Cat Day, October 27.
Why are black cats associated with witches?
During the Middle Ages, people believed witches could take the form of black cats or kept them as familiars, which led to fear and persecution, an association with no basis in fact.
Do black cats have different personalities?
No. A cat's temperament comes from genetics, socialization, and environment, not the color of their fur.
Why is my black cat turning brown?
Sun exposure can fade a black coat to reddish-brown. If the change is sudden, ask your vet, since diet or health issues can play a role.
