Black cats are not any special breed of cat. There are almost 22 breeds that have Black colored cats.
But it is a very special, mysterious, history-related, and also Spooky-looking cat.
If you suddenly see a Black cat in the Dark, you must be frightened.
In some countries, societies, and cultures, they’re auspicious, and some societies and cultures consider them as signs of an omen. So, let’s talk about the little panthers.
Table Of contents
History of the Black cats:
Black cats in the Ancient period
In Egyptian Civilization (2800 BC), Black cats were worshipped like Goddes. There was a Goddess named Bastate, who was the Goddess of Cats and a guardian against evil spirits and diseases.
In houses, they were treated as the King; they were honored by Jewelry and good food.
Killing Black cats was a severe crime, and the criminal was supposed to face punishment, even sentenced to death.
Some cats were even Mummified after their death, and have a significant presence in Egyptian paintings and statues. We can see the evidence in Museums.
Black cats in the Middle age:
In the 8th century, the sailors and fishermen kept Black cats along with them as good luck, weather forecasters, and obviously rat killers. The sailors guessed about the weather to notice the cat’s behavior.
In the mid of middle age, the situation changed for the cats. They were started as the Symbol of Satanism, bad luck, and the companions of the Witches. People believed that Black cats could steal souls and could be formed into the human structure.
In the 12th century, it was believed that during the Satanic rituals, the Devil God took the avatar of Black cats and descended to his devotees (Check in Medievalists.com).
Heretical groups were accused of worshipping and associating with cats.
His Highness Pop Innocent VII(1404-1406) declared that the Black cats are the favorite animal of the Satanic God and the Idol of all witches. Solitaire and old women who love and care for Black cats were considered witches. People even believed that if you were going somewhere and a Black cat crossed your road, then you would fall in danger.
The Raven-haired beauties are also accused of spreading Plague diseases and became the symbol of the Halloween Festival in colonial America. People believed that the Black cats rode on the witch’s broom, So they were the companion of the witches.
Black Cats in the Present time
At present, things are changed. In the USA, 17 August is observed as `Black Cat Appreciation Day,’ and 27 October is National Black Cat Day. Show your love and respect to your Black-coated and once most misunderstood friends on that day.
1-31 October Black Cat Awareness Month.
The Black cat month is celebrated in social media. The Cat Fanciers Association recognized 22 Black cat breeds.
Top beautiful Black cat breeds:
I mentioned before that the Black cat isn’t a particular breed; there are 22 breeds of Black cat recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association. I have sorted out 10 breeds. Black cats are, on average 29% more than any other color. So, let’s see how the Black beauties are.
Persian
Made its way from Persia (Iran) to Europe by the Romans and Phonecian Caravans in the 1500s. Crossing the Black age, the Persian Blacks have become adorable for their Silky, soft, and long coats, Bright Golden eyes, flat faces, and snub noses. A very sweet-tempered cat, friendly and suitable for old and less busy houses. Like other Persians, the Blacks are also high-maintenance cats.
Britsh Shorthair
It has a 2000-year-old history. Its ancestors came to England with the conqueror Romans and gradually became house cats.
Bombay Black cats:
The name came from Bombay (Mumbai)- the commercial Capital of India. The breed looks like Black Panthers. It was cross-bred between a Burmese and an American Shorthair.
American Bobtail:
It is believed to be a mixture of a Siamese and a short-tailed Tabby cat.
Japanese Bobtail:
One of the oldest cat breeds. It is linked with history, legends, and the sign of good luck and prosperity.
Devon Rex:
It was a native cat of Buckfastleigh, Devon, England. Accidentally took birth when a Tom cat met a Tortoiseshell. It has Pixie-like features.
Chantilly- Tiffani:
Beautiful Golden eyes in a Black face make the cats exotic. When the cats get older, the Golden colors intensify.
Main Coon
One of the Largest cat breeds. The American native cats were popular and appointed to pest control ships in the colonial age.
Norwegian Forest cat
Another name is Norwegian Skogatte. It first appeared in Norse Mythology, dating back to 4000 years. The breed is an excellent mouser.
Scottish Fold:
Popular for its forward-bended ears and discovered by a Scottish Shepherd. Both long and short coats are available.
American curl:
Their ears are whimsically curled back. Their ears are not curled from birth. The transformation starts from the 3 weeks after birth and continues till 4 months of age.
American Shorthair
Their ancestors came from Europe and crossed with American domestic cats. Quiet is a good breed.
Cornish Rex:
A migrant from Cornwall, England, who is very interested in its surroundings and happenings.
Exotic Shorthair:
They’re known for their Teddy Bear look and similarities with Persian cats.
Oriental shorthair:
They’re regal by nature, just like their royal ancestors, Siamese.
Selkirk Rex:
The breed was discovered in Shelkirk, Montana, Canada. They were crossed with Persians, Exotic, and British Shorthairs and shared the curly coats with the Rex community.
Siberian:
They’re agile jumpers and helped to control the rodent population of Siberia. The breed is surviving for the last 100 years in the harsh and extreme weather conditions of Siberia because of their thick, triple, and water-resistant coat.
Sphynx cats:
Furless with large eyes and ears, just like the Aliens. The very delicate and high-maintenance breed is also available in black coats.
Turkish Angora:
The first cat breed in Europe is highly valued by the Turkish people. The breed was blessed by the Islamic faith founder Prophet Muhammad (S). The cat was a prized companion of Muhammad (570-632).
Black cats uniqueness:
The Black-coated ravens are the most mysterious, misunderstood, and history and myth-related cats. They’re hypoallergenic and contradictory in nature. The cats are wild and impulsive in one body.
They’re stubborn and friendly- independent and Cravy for closeness to others. Thus, Black Cats are different from other cats.
Some common personality traits of Black cats:
Though Black cats are not a specific breed. There are almost 22 breeds included in Black cats, but there are some common personality traits seen among breeds Those are:
Breed-related traits:
Bombay cats are very outgoing, British Shorthairs are hunters, and Persians are very calm and cuddly.
Coat-color-related trait: Black cats are less prone to health problems and are fit and fine.
Company-related trait:
That means their personality is influenced by their owner and family. Suppose a cat lives with a European family; then it will definitely become polite and calm.
Interesting and fun facts about Black cats:
Black cats are considered lucky in the modern age.
They have Green, Blue, and golden or Yellow eyes but most Black cats have Yellow eyes.
Their fur never gets fed.
They look lavish and fit with any home decor.
Its slim and Black body suits everyone.
Though they’re very photogenic, both professional and photo shooting is tough for those cats because of their coat color.
As they look like Panthers but are very sweet, friendly, and family-oriented cats.
They are free from diseases than other cats.
The fur of Black cats can change color. That means the fur ends up becoming Reddish-Brown. It is called Rusting and happens because of Sunburn and a deficiency of Nutrition. If any Tabby pattern is sleeping in the Black color gene, it can still be there.
That means Black cats are undercover Tabbies. If you notice stripes in your Black kitty’s fur in the Sunlight, understand that the Tabbism isn’t bloomed fully. Only the Sunlight can break down the dominant Black Pigmentation to reveal the sleeping patterns and colors.
In Japan, Black cats have their own cafe.
Black coats may be an evaluated coat color.
They can help your love life.
Black cats are the most dominating type of cat.
The coat pattern of a Black cat may not identify because of the Black color.
Black is the most common and dominant coat color.
They may have evolved for survival. Like the panthers and Leopards, the ancestors of Black cats evolved Black coats to hunt better at night. Nowadays, researchers are trying to reveal another truth behind color evolution.
Some scientists state that evolution occurred to get rid of some diseases, such as FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Disorder).
Misconceptions about the Black cats:
Black cats have Supernatural powers:
In village areas, people believed that Black cats have supernatural powers because evil spirits live in a Black cat’s body.
Black cats bring bad luck:
In the middle age, the Italian people believed that if a Black cat sat or slept on a sick person, then the person was a guest for a few days. Some other Superstition is- Coming of a Black cat in your house or property is a negative sign; if you see a Black cat in the early morning, then your whole day will be spent in vain.
Black cat Syndrome:
If you keep a Black cat in your house, then your prosperity and happiness will go far from you. But the owners of the Black cats totally disagree with this conception.
Black cats are aggressive:
Black Cats are Not aggressive at all.
Country-wise impacts of Black cats:
England:
People gift Black cats to their brides as the symbol of good luck and happiness in Midland.
Scandinavia:
In Norse Mythology, the Black Norwegian forest cats pull the chariot of Goddess Freya.
Egypt:
In ancient Egypt, Black cats were worshipped like God, and home cats were equally got respected.
Japan:
Female cats are more attractive than males to their owners.
Great Britain:
Sailors believed that Black cats were a symbol of good luck and would return them home safely.
Scotland:
A Black cat on the doorstep would be the lucky champ.
Ireland:
Irish people believe that if a Black cat crosses your road, then you’re a fortunate person.
From where to adopt a Black cat:
You can search the websites of Petfinder.com and fluffy cat breeds. There is a Black cat appreciation community on the fluffy cat breeds website. They’ll welcome you to the community.
Things you should keep in mind before adopting a Black cat:
Get free from the negative perceptions about Black cats that are described before in the ‘Misconception about the Black cats’ part of the article.
Try to understand the personality of the cat:
Meet them several times before adopting.
Don’t force them to meet or come to you. Give them time to get intimate with you. If the cat comes to meet you willingly, then it’s an extroverted, sociable kitty.
Take some toys and cat food so that the cat gets interested in meeting you.
Observe their body language so that you can understand many things about them and how they behave with the staff, children, and visitors of the rescue or shelters.
Ask the shelter or rescue about their litter box training and health test results that are conducted on the kitty.
Ensure the certificates and contact the shelters after adoption.
Take your kitty to the vet immediately after adoption.
As Black cats are not one breed, so you don’t need to go to the breeders.
