There are many things associated with October – stunning fall foliage, plump pumpkins, witches on broomsticks, apple cider, ghosts and goblins…and black cats. And of that list, black cats are by far the most intriguing!
Long the subject of myths and folklore black cats have been alternately revered and feared. Some time in the Middle Ages black cats became associated with witches and witchcraft and were thought by some to actually be witches in another form. Much earlier than this, however, in ancient Egypt, black cats were worshipped and believed to offer protection to the home.
Historically British sailors believed that black cats brought good luck to a ship and guided it to return home safely. Also in Britain black cats were once regarded as an ideal wedding gift bringing good fortune and happiness. In Scotland a black cat on the doorstep signified the advent of financial gains while in Japan black cats were thought to bring luck in love.
Beyond the historical background of black cats there several other things that make them ever so special:
- Black is genetically dominant among feline fur colors but most all-black kitties have a bit of white feathering or a small-ish white patch somewhere on their body.
- There may be a faint pattern visible beneath a black cat’s fur particularly in sunlight. Although black is genetically dominant as a fur color, the striped tabby pattern is genetically dominant as a fur pattern. Thus if a cat has genes for both black fur and tabby patterning, the stripes can be “hidden” under the black coloring.
- Most black cats have golden, yellow or amber-colored eyes creating a striking contrast with their black fur.
- The genetic mutations that produce the black fur color in black cats have been discovered to potentially afford some protection from diseases.
- Many breeds of cats can have black fur but one in particular, the Bombay, was bred to have a solid jet black coat, black foot pads and black whiskers.
- Aside from all their wonderful-ness black kitties are just like other kitties, exhibiting a variety of personalities, likes and dislikes and individual behaviors.
During the entire month of October, leading up to National Black Cat Day on October 27, let’s celebrate these gorgeous, sleek, shiny black beauties.