Black Cat Appreciation Day

Black Cat Appreciation Day History

Black Cat Appreciation Day is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the beauty and charm of black cats and raising awareness about their plight in shelters. The primary aim of this observance is to dispel the myths and superstitions associated with black cats and promote their adoption. This special day highlights the fact that these felines make excellent pets with loving personalities, just like cats of other colours.

Historically, black cats have experienced contrasting fortunes in the UK, with some regions considering them symbols of good luck, while others associating them with witchcraft and bad omens. Recently, animal welfare organisations and shelters across the UK have participated in this event, spreading the message of the importance of adopting black cats and addressing the higher rates of abandonment they often face compared to other cats.

In the United Kingdom, Black Cat Appreciation Day is observed through various means, such as social media campaigns, special adoption events at local animal shelters, and educational initiatives to increase awareness around myths and misunderstandings about black cats. Pet owners and admirers can participate by sharing positive stories about black cats they have encountered, encouraging others to consider adopting a black feline or supporting local shelters that care for these animals. Black Cat Appreciation Day is observed annually on August 17th.

Black Cat Appreciation Day facts

• Black cats have been a sign of both good and bad luck throughout history. Depending on the country or region, people have viewed them accordingly. For example in Medieval France and Spain, black cats were considered bad luck due to their association with witches. Medieval Germans considered themselves to be cursed if a black cat crossed their path. In the British Islands however, black cats were believed to bring wealth to any house they occupied. In Japan, they were considered to bring good luck. In Ancient Egypt, black cats were worshipped as sacred.
• There are about 22 different breeds of cats with black coats according to World Animal Protection. The most common of them is the Bombay cat.
• Black cats are thought to be more resistant to certain diseases. The mutation that causes black fur is in the same family of genes that offer resistance to diseases like HIV.
• Black cats are among the most common cat colours in the UK. According to some studies, approximately 70% of all cats in the United Kingdom have black or black-and-white fur.
• Scottish folklore has a creature called the Cat Sith, which is a large black cat with a white spot on its chest. The Cat Sith is believed to have the ability to bring good fortune or even grant wishes if it is treated kindly.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Black Cat Appreciation Day

Top things to do in the UK for Black Cat Appreciation Day

• Go to a shelter and adopt a black cat. Black cats are stigmatized more than other species so they tend to be admitted to shelters more often.
• Show your cat you appreciate them with a new toy or some catnip. Even if you don't own a black cat, show your feline friend that you care about them.
• Check with local animal shelters and cat rescue organizations to adopt a black cat or make plans to foster a cat in need. The RSPCA, Cats Protection, and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are some organizations that advocate for black cat adoption.
• The United Kingdom has several cat cafes such as Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium in London, Manchester's Cat Café, or Kitty Café in Leeds and Nottingham, where you can interact with black cats and other feline friends.