Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day! Our cat-loving team at Anasazi Animal Clinic loves black cats—or “house panthers,” as we like to call them.
There is something elegant and mysterious about black cats. Their dark, sleek black coats hide them in the shadows so it’s almost as if they appear next to you like magic. And their black fur makes their eyes brighter and their little white teeth shinier. They’re just amazing to behold!
We hope our Gilbert and Chandler clients join us this year in celebrating National Black Cat Day on October 27th. For today’s post, we’re taking a look at National Black Cat Day history, and sharing some interesting facts about black cats you might not know.
National Black Cat Day History
Cat Protection, a cat welfare charity based in the United Kingdom, started National Black Cat Day in 2011. The organization noticed that black cats were not being adopted as quickly or frequently as cats of other colors. Research shows that black cats are 50 percent less likely to be adopted than tabby cats and about 75 percent less likely to be adopted than white cats.
In an effort to change those statistics, Cat Protection launched National Black Cat Day to celebrate the positive attributes of black cats, because they deserve love and affection just as much as any other cats. Since then, the power of social media has helped the campaign flourish, with thousands posting pictures of their favorite house panther with #BlackCatDay to show their support.
Black Cat Facts
Fact 1: Black Cats Are Not Bad Luck
For centuries, people considered black cats to be bad luck or evil. A black cat crossing a person’s path foretold bad fortune coming their way. This is one of the reasons why black cats became associated with witchcraft and Halloween.
However, many cultures view black cats as good luck. Citizens of Japan, France, and Scotland view black cats as forebearers of prosperity and good fortune, while British sailors believed that black cats would help ensure a safe voyage at sea. For the ancient Egyptians, black cats represented the goddess Bastet, half cat and half woman.
Fact 2: There Are 22 Breeds of Black Cats
The Cat Fanciers’ Association recognizes an amazing 22 breeds of black cats. The most recognizable of these breeds is the Bombay, which truly does look like a miniature panther! Cats with completely black coats can also be found in breeds like Scottish Fold, Maine Coon, Persian, and even Sphynx, who are hairless but have black skin.
Fact 3: Black Cats Have Advanced Immunity
Scientists discovered that the gene that causes a cat’s fur to turn black could also have an impact on its immunities. Research says black cats have stronger immune systems than cats of other colors, including increased resistance to feline immunodeficiency disorder (FIV). Researchers also believe that further mapping of a black cat’s genes could contribute to a cure for HIV in humans.
Hometown Care for All Cats in Gilbert and Chandler
While black cats are certainly special and deserve their own holiday, here at Anasazi Animal Clinic we love to take care of all cats, regardless of their color or breed. If your cat is overdue for an annual exam, make an appointment today.
Image by Marcela Lukášíková from Pixabay