There are many different myths and superstitions about black cats throughout history; Ancient Egyptians adored cats of all colors, Greek mythology associated black cats with Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft and the moon, Japan associates black cats with wealth and prosperity, some British sailors historically thought having a black cat on board was good luck, Pope Gregory IX proclaimed that black cats were the incarnation of the devil, and black cats were considered witches and familiars during the Salem Witch Trials.

Despite all the myths, black cats are just like any other house cats; it just happens that black coats are common because it’s the most dominant coat color gene in cats. The color can be found in many different cat breeds, like the common domestic shorthair, Persian, Scottish Fold, and Maine Coon, so other than typically having golden eyes, there aren’t really any correlating traits in black cats. Some can be big, others are small; their coats can be different lengths; personalities can vary. Although, you may see faint stripes in a black cat’s fur because while the color is genetically dominant, the striped tabby pattern is the dominant fur pattern in cats!

Having a black or mostly black cat can be like having a sentient and loving void in your house. They have the same average lifespan as any other domesticated cat and need the same level of care as well. You can often find and adopt black cats, or cats of any color and breed, at shelters around the Pacific Northwest and the rest of the US!