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The myth surrounding black cats
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Copyright Michelle Hecht.
As the guardian of three black cats, it disheartens me to know some people see cats of this color as evil, bad luck, or otherworldly. To me, they’re just Joey, Caitlin, and Isabella, three fur babies who want lots of love and attention.
They’re a dynamic trio of siblings who tumble around with stuffed animals in their grasps, chase each other throughout the house, then plop down in a pile of exhaustion and contentment.
Joey loves to roll onto his back, exposing his furry tummy in anticipation, or rather demand, of a warm hand to rub him to sleep.
Isabella will push her silky black nose up in the air for a kiss. True, I don’t know where it’s been for the last 10 minutes, but those pleading eyes are too irresistible.
Caitlin is the “mommy” of the group and will keep watch over her brother and sister. That’s not to say she doesn’t want human attention. When she knows they’re asleep, she’ll cry to be petted.
Evil? I think not.
So, where does this idea come from? It goes back centuries.
According to Mary Anne Miller’s thecatsite.com article, The Mystique Behind Black Cats, “when the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock, they brought with them a devout faith in the Bible. They also brought a deepening suspicion of anything deemed of the devil. Comprised of Englanders and Europeans, these pilgrims were a deeply suspicious group. They viewed the black cat as a companion, or a familiar to witches. Anyone caught with a black cat would be severely punished or even killed. They viewed the black cat as part demon and part sorcery.”
This myth continued in America “during a time when witches were coming into fruition.” As Miller explains, “if a farmer believed his land had a spell cast upon it, the only way to break that spell was to shoot a black cat with a silver bullet.”
In Franny Syufy’s about.com article, The Perils of Halloween, she tells how the falsehood went back to Greek mythology in a story about a woman named Galenthias, who was turned into a cat and is sometimes known as the Mother of Witchcraft.
It persisted into the 12th and 13th century, when witches in Europe were often found with their "familiars," usually black cats, and were said to turn themselves into cats, says Syufy.
She goes on to explain that during the witch-burning era of the 17th century, “witches' cats were put into baskets and burned alongside the witches.”
In many countries throughout the ages, people thought black cats, and cats in general. caused death or took the breathe of sleeping babies, or brought famine and poverty. This is ironic, since the killing of cats often caused sickness due to abounding pests and rats.
Black cats weren’t always viewed so badly in history. They were seen as good luck in ancient Egypt, as well as by the 1600’s Charles I of England, according to Miller’s article.
According to Sally E. Bahner’s The Advertiser article, The black cat: Mystery, myth and symbolism, even though it’s considered bad luck in the U.S. and several European countries. “in Britain and Japan, a black cat crossing your path will bring good luck.”
Though maybe not as extreme as centuries past, the stereotype still prevails. Shelters often see black cats placed less than cats of other breeds and colors. However, because of the additional dangers posed to black cats during Halloween, many will not allow their adoptions in October.
Be vigilant and aware. Cat guardians, especially those with black cats, have to take precautions. All cats should always be kept indoors, because there are cruel people who abduct, torture, and/or kill cats, whether it be for ritualistic reasons or a prank. Some will even give poisonous food, or trap them just so they can be released in a dangerous area. Even those with no intention to hurt a cat can still speed by in a car and accidentally hit one.
If someone starts talking about a black cat being evil or bad luck, stop him in his tracks. Cats need a voice to speak up for their welfare. They deserve a loving human to protect and nurture them. In turn, they will bless you with unconditional love.
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