Copyright dailystar
It’s National Black Cat Day – a chance to raise a paw to the moggies so unfairly accused of bringing bad luck. They remain the least adopted colour in UK animal shelters , with some owners claiming they are ‘not photogenic’. Now it’s time to stand up for the sleek and stylish felines. As a proud black cat owner , I’m here to give you the facts… Nautical but nice: Black cats were once considered lucky by sailors, who believed they could protect seagoing vessels from bad weather. They were often used as ships’ cats, carried to keep down the rodent population. The kitties were popular in the Royal Navy until 1975, when pets were banned on hygiene grounds. Black magic: In the south of France, black cats are called ‘matagots’ or ‘magician cats’. They are said to bring good fortune to their owners – as long as they are treated with the respect they deserve. That means giving them the first bite of food at every meal, in the hope they will bring you a solid gold coin every morning. Feline fine: In Italy, hearing a black cat sneeze could mean money is coming your way. If it happens on your wedding day, you’re probably going to have a great marriage. That’s only if they sneeze once though – three times and you’re likely to come down with a cold. The cat’s pyjamas: Want a long and successful run for your new play? Make sure there’s a black cat in the audience on opening night. While kitties aren’t known for their love of culture, they’ll usually sit still for a handful of Dreamies. Some actors even keep a toy cat in their dressing rooms. Animal magnetism: Black cats in Japan are thought to bring good fortune, especially when it comes to your love life. Single women often keep them in the hope of attracting better suitors. In traditional mythology, ‘nekomata’ are cats with forked tails who act as the protectors of households. Cat-tastrophe: In the Middle Ages, black cats were thought to be witches’ familiars – demonic entities there to help them with their evil deeds. It led to the belief that crossing paths with them could bring bad luck or illness. When convicted witches were sentenced to death, their pets were often killed at the same time. Hell cat: The cat-sith is a spectral black cat with a white spot on its chest, said to haunt the Scottish Highlands. The size of a dog, it walks on its hind legs whenever it doesn’t think humans are watching. Families used to leave it a saucer of milk at Halloween in the hope of winning its favour. Wild cats: The black cat has been a symbol of anarchism since the early 1900s, when it was adopted by the US labour movement. It was often linked to wildcat strikes, when workers downed tools without formal union approval, and acts of industrial sabotage. It then became the symbol of the Black Panther Party. Cat call: A stray black cat showing up at your doorstep is obviously good luck – providing you’re a fan of black cats. But in Scotland, it’s also said to be an omen of future prosperity.
