Problem Solving & Advice by Pam Johnson-Bennett Cat Behavior Expert & Best-selling Author
Black Cat Appreciation Day is August 17th. Why do we need such a special day? Because no other cats have endured more myths, lies and abuse. It’s important that we put an end to the false beliefs and ignorance surrounding these beautiful cats. If you share your home with a black cat, you already know that every day deserves to be Black Cat Appreciation Day, but here’s an extra opportunity to spread the word and help raise awareness.
A few nerdy facts about black cats
- The black cat isn’t a breed. There are 22 breeds that recognize black coats. The Bombay, however, was developed to look like a black panther and is the one breed where solid black is the only color.
- Melanism (the opposite of albinism) is what causes the dark coat.
- Black coats are more common in male cats.
- The amount of melanin is also what gives the black cat’s eyes a golden color.
- In bright sunlight, you might see faint markings of a tabby pattern on your cat’s coat. This means the black cat has the dominant gene for solid black but the tabby pattern gene is not completely repressed.
Photo: Pam Johnson-Bennett
Unfair history and superstitions
In the middle ages, black cats were believed to be associated with witchcraft. This unfair connection between witchcraft and black cats is kept alive today through the awful Halloween decorations used, depicting evil-eyed black cats. Myths of black cats being bad luck have also contributed to the unfair image and in many cases, abuse of these beautiful animals. Black cats are especially vulnerable around Halloween and in fact, many shelters suspend adoption of black cats during the month of October.
Black cats are viewed as good luck in other cultures
In many countries, a black cat is considered good luck. For single women in Japan, owning a black cat is believed to increase the number of romantic interests. England and Scotland also view black cats as good luck. In Russia, all cats are considered good luck.
Black cats were believed to bring good luck to sailors. A black cat on-board was thought to ensure a safe return home. No doubt the cat’s hunting skill and ability to control rats on-board also made him a welcomed member of the sailing crew.
Photo: Pam Johnson-Bennett
In Himeji, Japan, there is a cat café (Nekobiyaka) that is devoted to black cats. Visitors to this cat café can pet the cats, play with them and take pictures, but they must respect the cats’ sleeping schedule. Visitors are also not allowed to pick up and hold the cats.
Why does the black coat sometimes look rusty?
Prolonged sun exposure can cause the coat to turn a brownish shade. This is referred to as “rusting.” If your cat spends a lot of time napping in the sun, you have probably noticed this color change. The rusting is only temporary though and the coat will go back to its black color as melanin levels return to normal.
The rust color can also occur in cats who have a deficiency in the essential enzyme, tyrosine. If insufficient amounts of tyrosine are being produced, the brownish color of the cat’s coat will not return
to black, even when the cat no longer spends time in the sun. If you suspect a deficiency in this enzyme, have your cat checked out by the veterinarian. Replacement supplements may be prescribed.
A bonus resistance to certain diseases
Research has suggested that the genetic mutation in black cats may help make them more resistant to certain illnesses, such as feline immunodeficiency virus.
Photo: Pam Johnson-Bennett
The unseen hunter
It’s believed that the black coat helps with concealment as the cat searches for and stalks prey. Considering that cats are crepuscular and hunt mostly at dawn and at dusk, the dark coat would certainly be an advantage.
Celebrating black cat appreciation day
To celebrate this day, many shelters and cat rescue organizations feature black cats and offer reduced or waived adoption fees. You can also find a number of black cat appreciation groups on social media who use the platforms to educate the public and share their love for black cats every day. On August 17, however, social media comes alive with love for black cats. What can you do to help celebrate this day? Here are some suggestions.
- Adopt a black cat
- Donate money or needed supplies to your local shelter or cat rescue organization
- Foster
- Spread the word through your social media page to help raise awareness and dispel myths
- Throw out those evil-looking black cat decorations so you won’t be tempted to use them at Halloween
- And of course, give your own cat some extra love and attention today
Photo: Pam Johnson-Bennett
It has nothing to do with luck, but everything to do with love
Black cats are no different than any other cat. They deserve to be loved, protected and to have forever homes. They depend on us to be their voices and to keep them safe. As the proud cat parent of a black cat, I consider myself very lucky that she chose me. She is the gorgeous little panther who fills my heart and home with joy.
Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day!
Need More Information?
For information on cat behavior and training, refer to the books by Pam Johnson-Bennett. Pam’s books are available at bookstores and online. We’ve included Amazon links here on our website.
