![]() ![]() The Origins of Black Cat Stigmaīefore Christianity, the predominant belief system in Europe was Paganism, a mix of different Earth-centered “religions” that worshipped both male and female gods, as well animals and nature.Īs Christianity spread, it brought with it the belief that Paganism was associated with the devil. This misguided superstition culminated in over 200 people being accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch trials, and 20 executions. When the Pilgrims settled in America, they brought superstitions with them, including the belief that black cats were evil, and any female who had a black cat was thought to be a witch. The mass killing of cats, especially black cats, caused the mouse and rat populations to explode, allowing the plague to spread, ultimately causing the death of over 25 million people. This misinformation about cats is what is believed to have led to the Bubonic Plague. Historians estimate that between 40,000 - 50,000 people were executed for witchcraft throughout Europe during a 300-year period. Innocent people were not only accused of using black cats to carry out sorcery and witchcraft, and were wrongly persecuted. Going all the way back to Medieval times, superstitions and folklore promoted the unjustified and irrational belief that black cats were a bad omen, and associated with the devil. We have all heard that a black cat crossing your path brings bad luck, but the negative superstition goes much deeper than that.īlack cats have been stigmatized throughout history in many cultures. It is also very strongly suggested that if you have a black cat, you do not allow them to be outside during this time. Sadly, because of the potential for abuse, many shelters halt adoptions of black cats over Halloween. ![]() Research shows that black cats have a mutation that appears to make them less susceptible to diseases, such as Feline HIV.ĭue to the amount of melanin black cats have, most have golden/yellow colored eyes, a trait that makes them even more striking! The Bombay cat breed is a cross between a Sable Burmese and a Black American Shorthair, and was bred with the goal of creating a miniature black panther! And what goes better with witches than a black cat! Black Cat FactsĪccording to Cat Fanciers’ Association, there are currently 22 breeds of cats that are recognized as “black cats”, but the only solid colored black cat is the Bombay cat. When people think of Halloween, they often think of pumpkins, ghosts, and witches. ![]()
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