Why Black Cats Are Considered Unlucky! By Cherokee Billie

October 12, 2023 1 Comment

How did black cats become associated with bad luck, and with Halloween traditions?

Every year when people begin putting out their Halloween decorations, and we start dressing our homes for Halloween/Samhain, inevitably the image of the black cat comes up. It’s usually portrayed with its back arched, claws out, and occasionally wearing a jaunty pointed hat. Local news channels warn us to keep black cats inside on Halloween just in case the local hooligans decide to get up to some nasty hijinks.

But where did the superstition of these beautiful animals come from? Anyone who lives with a cat knows how fortunate they are to have a cat in their life — so why are they considered unlucky?

Divine Cats:
The ancient Egyptians honored cats of every color. Cats were mighty and strong, and held sacred. Two of the most amazing goddesses in the Egyptian pantheon were Bast and Sekhmet, worshipped as long ago as 3000 b.c.e. Family cats were adorned with jewelry and fancy collars, and even had pierced ears. If a cat died, the entire family went into mourning, and sent the cat off to the next world with a great ceremony. For thousands of years, the cat held a position of divinity in Egypt.

The Witch’s Familiar:
Around the time of the Middle Ages, the cat became associated with witches and witchcraft. Around the late 1300′s, a group of witches in France were accused of worshipping the Devil in the form of a cat. It may be because of the cat’s nocturnal nature that it became connected to witches — after all, night time was the time they held their meetings, as far as the church was concerned.

Contemporary Cats:
Around the time of World War Two, when the American tradition of Halloween as trick-or-treat time really got underway, cats became a big part of the holiday decoration. This time around, however, they were considered a good luck charm — a black cat at your door would scare away any evil critters that might come a’calling.

Most people are far less superstitious today than they were in the Middle Ages, but the black cat remains part of our late October decor.

Black Cat Folklore and Legends:

Sixteenth-century Italians believed that if a black cat jumped on the bed of an ill person, the person would soon die.

In Colonial America, Scottish immigrants believed that a black cat entering a wake was bad luck, and could indicate the death of a family member.

The Norse goddess Freyja drove a chariot pulled by a pair of black cats.

A Roman solder killed a black cat in Egypt, and was killed by an angry mob of locals.

Appalachian folklore said that if you had a stye on the eyelid, rubbing the tail of a black cat on it would make the stye go away.

If you find a single white hair on your otherwise-black cat, it’s a good omen.

In England’s border countries and southern Scotland, a strange black cat on the front porch brings good fortune.

As an animal totem the black cat is the keeper of secrets, gatekeeper; when black cat crosses your path she is telling you to stay aware, as something very powerful is coming into your life: be ready to recognize it and receive it.

I have been blessed with a black cat, Isis, and she is/was one of the most intelligent animals I have ever had the privilege of living with. Her intelligence, understanding, compassion, and kindness was beyond compare. Isis crossed the rainbow bridge April 29, 2015.

Those of you that have a lovely black cat know what I’m talking about. You can read more about her by clicking Here.

If you have a black cat please make sure you keep them protected on Halloween.  My recommendation is to not allow your black cat to be an indoor outdoor cat because of the dangers of the world.  Not just did a Halloween, but throughout the year.  Unfortunately there are many people who want to do terrible things to the special gifted beings.  Protect your babies.

Would you like to know more about your cat?  I am an animal communicator and can help you receive answers from your cat living or deceased.  Check out my Services Here.

I appreciate your being here.

Many blessings,
Cherokee Billie

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