Can you imagine the ability to always be in fashion? While we humans continually do our best to stay fashion forward, some of our feline friends never have to worry about their coat color going into the last year file. Though they are officially recognized one day of the year, Aug. 17, black cats prove that every day can be Black Cat Appreciation Day.
Black cats have been the subject of many falsehoods and taboos throughout time, but it didn’t start that way. Back around 3,000 B.C., Egyptians held black cats in the highest esteem, with it being a capital crime to harm one. Having a black cat on board a ship was believed to bring good luck, according to the sailors. And black cats are seen as good luck symbols when given to a British bride as a wedding gift (but find out if she is ready for a pet before putting a bow on the black cat).
Unfortunately, many superstitions still persist, including the common misperception in the United States of bad luck befalling you if a black cat crosses your path. This reason, plus there just being more black cats in the world in general, are why these feline friends are routinely the least likely to be adopted from animal shelters.
So what is a sleek, stoic, suave kitty to do? Well they have already done their part, by staying strong and steady through the centuries as humans evolve their views and lose the stereotypes. While there are many black cats waiting in shelters for their forever home to arrive, more than 35 percent of cats begin as strays who choose their forever home on their own terms. That’s a lucky streak if you ask us.
A fun fact about black cats you may not have known has to do with their health. Increased melanism, the opposite of albinism, in black cats helps them be naturally resistant to illnesses. This higher level of melanin in the pigment also results in yellow irises, giving a black cat her distinct look.
Even if you are not able to add a black cat to your life on Aug. 7, take a moment to appreciate all these beautiful and loving animals have to offer.