Black Cat Myths: Is A Black Cat Crossing Your Path Really Bad Luck?
Have you ever wondered why people think a black cat crossing your path means bad luck? The origins of this myth date back centuries. Keep on reading to learn the history behind this black cat myth.
For centuries, black cats have been surrounded by myths and superstitions. They’re seen as symbols of bad luck or evil. The most popular one is that if a black cat crosses your path, that means bad luck and misfortune will follow you.
Seems silly, right? Especially because some of the friendliest cats you’ve met have been black cats. In this article, we go back in time and explore the origin of this myth.
Origins of the Black Cat Crossing Your Path Myth
The idea of a black cat crossing your path being bad luck can be traced back to medieval Europe. At the time, people believed black cats were connected to witches and even the devil.
People thought that black cats could be witches’ familiars and were sent to do harm. Others believed it was the devil in an animal form also sent to do harm.
This superstition continued into the Renaissance. In that period, the people accepted that when a black cat crosses your path, a curse has been put on you by a witch.
10 Black Cat Myths
- Black cats are witches' familiars, sent to do harm
- Black cats shape-shift into witches
- Black cats signal death
- Black cats are bad omens
- Black cats are Satan in animal form
- Black cats are less friendly or affectionate than other cats
- Black cat licking you means you’ve been cursed
- Black cat on board a ship means bad weather and uneasy waters
- Black cat at a wedding means divorce and marital problems
- Black cat meowing at you means misfortune
Final Thoughts
These outdated myths about black cats are not just harmless tales. They have real-world consequences.
Shelters are filled with black cats because of these misconceptions. Many people avoid adopting them, thinking they bring bad luck or that they’re evil. The reality is that black cats are just as loving, playful, and deserving of a home as any other cat.
It's time to break the myths and give black cats the chance to be the wonderful pets they are.