
Black cats have long been subjects of fascination, fear, and reverence in various cultures around the world. Their sleek black coats, sharp yellow eyes, and enigmatic presence have sparked myths, superstitions, and legends that continue to captivate our imaginations. While in some cultures they are seen as omens of bad luck, in others, they are believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. Let’s explore 20 captivating myths surrounding black cats, rich in mystery, culture, and folklore, and decide for yourself: Are they a blessing or a curse?
1. Black Cats Are Witches’ Familiars

Throughout history, black cats have been strongly associated with witches and the occult. In many cultures, these cats were considered witches’ “familiars”—magical creatures that were thought to possess supernatural powers. Some believed that these cats were not just ordinary animals but were, in fact, demons or spirits that the witches kept as companions. These familiars were thought to help witches with their spells and rituals, and in some folklore, black cats were even believed to be gifts from the Devil himself.
2. The Egyptian Goddess Bastet and Her Black Cats

In ancient Egypt, black cats were highly respected due to their connection with the goddess Bastet, who was depicted with the head of a lioness or as a full cat. Bastet was revered as the goddess of home, fertility, love, childbirth, and a protector against evil and illness. Black cats were considered symbols of her protective power, believed to ward off malevolent spirits and bring good fortune. Unlike other cultures with negative associations, the Egyptians celebrated black cats for their elegance and strength.
3. Black Cats on Sickbeds: A Bad Omen in Italy

In 16th-century Italy, black cats were often associated with death and misfortune. One particularly grim superstition stated that if a black cat jumped onto the bed of someone who was ill, it was a sign that the person would soon die. This belief stemmed from the idea that black cats were connected to death, illness, and misfortune. During this time, the Black Plague was devastating Europe, and cats, being closely linked with rats, were often blamed for spreading the disease. As a result, black cats became symbols of the Grim Reaper in Italian folklore.
4. Attracting a Husband in Japan

In Japan, black cats are regarded as symbols of good fortune, and they are believed to bring prosperity and happiness. A particularly charming superstition in Japanese culture suggests that if a single woman owns a black cat, she is more likely to attract a reputable and good-hearted husband. This belief ties into the broader idea that black cats, like other cats in Japan, possess a certain charm and mystical energy. In Japanese culture, cats are often seen as protective and lucky, and black cats, in particular, are thought to ward off evil spirits.
5. Stray Black Cats Bring Good Luck in Scotland

In Scotland, when a stray black cat shows up at your door, it’s seen as a sign of good luck. Unlike the negative associations many cultures have with black cats, the Scots view these wandering felines as bringers of good luck. According to Scottish folklore, if a stray black cat chooses to visit your home, it signifies that good fortune is on the way. This belief is rooted in the idea that cats, especially black ones, are guardians of the home, protecting it from bad spirits and misfortune.
6. Black Cats on Porches Are Signs of Good Luck in Ireland

In Ireland, a black cat on your porch is considered a sign of good luck. In Ireland, black cats sitting on the porch are believed to bring good luck, similar to the Scottish superstition that strays black cats bring fortune. The Irish have long regarded black cats as symbols of prosperity and protection. Whether it’s a cat strolling across your doorstep or sitting peacefully on your porch, the Irish believe that these visits are blessings from the animal world. Unlike the more ominous views held in other cultures, black cats in Ireland are thought to have a calming and beneficial influence.
7. Black Cats at Sea: A Contradictory Myth

Seafarers have long held superstitions about black cats, though the beliefs are somewhat contradictory. Some sailors believed that if a black cat walked onto a ship and then disembarked, it would bring disaster, including the possibility of the ship sinking. This belief originated from the idea that the black cat was a harbinger of bad luck, particularly at sea. On the other hand, there was also a superstition that a black cat living on board a ship was a good omen. Sailors appreciated these cats because they kept the rodent population under control.
8. A Black Cat Crossing Your Path: Bad Luck or Good Luck?

The classic superstition of a black cat crossing your path is widely known across many cultures, but its meaning varies. In Europe, particularly during the Black Plague, black cats were linked to death and disease. It was believed that if a black cat crossed your path, it meant you were doomed to suffer from the plague. Not all cultures associate black cats with bad luck. In Germany, the direction from which the black cat crosses your path determines the outcome. If the cat crosses from left to right, it’s a sign of good luck, while if it crosses from right to left, it’s a bad omen.
9. Black Cats and Weather Predictions

In Norse mythology, black cats were believed to have the ability to predict the weather, especially storms. It was believed that witches, who often traveled on brooms during storms, kept black cats as companions. This connection between cats and weather was further emphasized by the belief that black cats could sense changes in the air. In Wales, it was thought that if a black cat was seen washing its ears, rain was likely to follow. This myth ties into the broader theme of cats having special powers or senses that humans do not possess.
10. Rubbing a Black Cat’s Tail for a Stye Cure

In Appalachian folklore, there’s a curious belief that rubbing a black cat’s tail on a stye can help heal it. This superstition is part of a larger tradition where black cats were thought to have healing properties. The tail of a black cat, in particular, was believed to possess special powers that could cure various ailments. While this myth is certainly not based on medical science, it reflects the deep cultural connection between people and animals, particularly cats, who were often seen as mysterious creatures with mystical abilities.
11. Black Cats and the Devil’s Stone in Scotland

In Scottish folklore, there is a mysterious stone known as the Clach Tagniarn nan Cat, or “The Stone of the Devil Cat.” According to local legend, this stone was a gathering place for a group of wild black cats who would appear annually on Halloween to worship a large black cat, often associated with the Devil. These cats were believed to possess dark, supernatural powers, and their presence near the stone marked an ominous gathering. The myth reflects the region’s deep connection to both feline mysticism and the darker elements of witchcraft.
12. The North Side of the House: A Sleeping Place for Black Cats in China

In China, black cats are considered good omens, and there is a particular superstition about where a black cat should sleep. It is believed that a black cat should rest on the north side of the house to ward off evil. This belief stems from the traditional Chinese cultural view that the north is a powerful direction associated with protection and good fortune. The cat, being a revered and mystical animal in Chinese culture, is thought to absorb the positive energies of this direction while keeping bad spirits away.
13. The Sun Can Bleach a Black Cat’s Coat

Many people have noticed that black cats sometimes appear to have reddish or copper-colored highlights in their fur, particularly when they spend time outdoors in the sunlight. This phenomenon occurs because the sun can gradually bleach the dark pigments in the cat’s coat, leading to a lighter, reddish appearance in certain parts of the fur. Interestingly, this natural occurrence has given rise to its myth. Some people believed that these sun-bleached patches were a sign of illness or some kind of curse.
14. Black Cats as Alter Egos for Witches in Hungary

In Hungarian folklore, black cats were often thought to be the alter egos of witches. According to this myth, a witch’s spirit would inhabit the body of a black cat, making it nearly impossible to tell which cat was the witch and which was the witch. This belief stems from the idea that witches, who were said to possess magical powers, could shapeshift into animals, particularly black cats, to carry out their secretive and mystical activities. This myth was particularly prevalent in the Middle Ages when witches were often believed to have otherworldly powers and were associated with dark magic.
15. The Bombay: The Only All-Black Cat Breed

While many cat breeds can produce black kittens, Bombay is the only breed known for being entirely black. This breed, created in the 1950s, was intentionally bred to resemble a miniature panther. Its glossy black coat, golden or copper eyes, and sleek body give it a distinct and striking appearance. Unlike the typical superstitions that often surround black cats, Bombay is celebrated for its elegance and uniqueness. Known for being affectionate and social, Bombays are often considered good luck charms by their owners.
16. Black Cats with One White Hair Bring Good Luck

In some cultures, it’s believed that a black cat with a single white hair is a symbol of good fortune. This superstition is particularly prominent in parts of Europe and the Americas. The white hair, often thought to be a sign of uniqueness or divine intervention, is considered an omen of prosperity or happiness. Some people believe that if you can pull the white hair out without being scratched, you will be granted good luck, especially in matters of love and marriage. This belief taps into the magical thinking that surrounds black cats, associating them with both mystery and fortune.
17. Maneki Neko: The Black Cat Version

The famous Japanese figurine known as the “Maneki Neko” (or “beckoning cat”) is often seen as a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and protection. While this cat is commonly depicted as a white or golden color, black versions of the Maneki Neko are especially popular. The black Maneki Neko is believed to not only bring good luck but also to ward off evil spirits. In Japan, black cats are traditionally seen as protective and capable of driving away bad energy. Displaying a black Maneki Neko in your home or business is thought to attract good fortune and ensure safety from misfortune.
18. Black Cats Are Money Cats in the South of France

In the South of France, black cats are referred to as “money cats” or “matagots.” These cats are believed to bring wealth to those who treat them with kindness and respect. The superstition holds that if you offer food to a black cat and allow it to sleep comfortably in your home, you will be rewarded with financial prosperity. The practice of feeding and caring for black cats is seen as a way to invite good fortune into one’s life. The idea behind this superstition is that the black cat’s presence helps to attract wealth and success, often by keeping evil spirits and bad luck at bay.
19. Black Cats at Crossroads Lead to Treasure

In French folklore, there is an intriguing belief that placing a black cat at a crossroads where five roads meet will lead to treasure. This superstition suggests that black cats, who are often viewed as magical creatures with special powers, can guide people to hidden wealth or valuable discoveries. The crossroads, a place traditionally associated with magic, choices, and fate, serves as the perfect setting for such a mystical event. While it may seem far-fetched, this myth taps into the long-standing cultural association between black cats and both good and bad luck.
20. Black Cats in Hollywood Movies and TV Shows

Black cats have long been a fixture in Hollywood films and television shows, often playing roles that emphasize their mysterious and enchanting qualities. Famous black cats like “Salem” from Sabrina the Teenage Witch and the cats in Hocus Pocus have become beloved characters in pop culture, adding an extra layer of intrigue and magic to their respective stories. In many of these films, black cats are depicted as companions to witches, or as wise, magical creatures that possess special powers.