Posted on 08/17/2022 7:12:49 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin
History of National Black Cat Appreciation Day
Have you ever feared a black cat crossing your path? This is from ancient superstitions where people thought this meant bad luck. For many cultures and historical settings, black cats were actually meant for positive things. So, to try and dispel these myths about black cats, National Black Cat Appreciation Day was created to be celebrated on August 17 every year.
Today, pop culture loves black cats. There’s the sarcastic Thackery Binx in “Hocus Pocus”, Salem, in “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” and Pyewacket in the classic “Bell, Book and Candle,” and we can’t forget the classic cartoon black cat, Luna in “Sailor Moon.” Black cats are seen as loyal companions, and this is what they were seen as for a lot of cultures in history too.
So, who’s to blame for this negative black cat spin? Superstition! But mostly because during the Middle Ages, people (mainly the Catholic Church) saw witches as shape-shifting black cats and the damage was done. From then on, black cats were seen as evil entities for years and years to follow.
But not everyone sees black cats this way. In fact, black cats are actually welcomed by a lot of people. For some, a visit from a black cat means good luck, and for others it meant prosperity or romance. Hey — in some cultures black cats are even worshipped. Basically, there’s no need to fear them. On this day, we celebrate our cuddly friends, no matter what color their coat is!
*SNIP*
National Black Cat Appreciation Day Activities
Visit the Nekobiyaka Cat Café
This Japanese café pays tribute to black cats, letting them roam throughout the restaurant for guests to enjoy. Pay $10 to spend an hour with the kitties and order some soda or beer while you’re there. Guests are not allowed to pick up or hold the cats, but customers can pet them. Each cat wears a different color bandana so you can tell them apart.
Adopt a black cat
As unbelievable as this sounds, black cats are about half as likely to be adopted as other cats! This is silly but true. Show some love to a homeless or abused black cat or kitten by contacting your local animal shelter to find one in need of a good home.
Read Edgar Allen Poe’s, “The Black Cat”
The Saturday Evening Post originally published Poe’s short story back in 1843. It's one of the author's darkest tales — dealing with the psychology of guilt.
Black cats are mixed bag but of the ones I’ve come across, they tend to be VERY good-natured and friendly.
A “feral” black cat recently made itself at home at my elderly mother’s house. Without even working that much with it, it now owns the house.
OMG ! Double trouble ,LOL
My most beloved cat ever (and sincerely, I don’t really even LIKE cats all that much) had died and my ex brought home Tess and Tilly for me from the pound.
We had two Black Labs and a Basset Hound at the time. The girls pretty much lived in the basement for a few years before they were comfortable, ‘mingling’ with the dogs. But in the end it all worked out well for everyone. :)
I have always loved Basement Kitties 🖤🖤🐈⬛🐈⬛! Lost my boy last year and his poor old sister is not long for this world. They have been a great joy in my life. Black cats are the best!!
One of my outdoor (semi-feral) cats is all black with green eyes. I call it Halloween Cat.
I’ve had a couple of black cats. They were both very sweet and well-behaved. And chatty.
He broke a mirror the other day but I don't know how that works as far as bad luck goes.
Do Tuxedos count? We have 2..one a very outgoing cat who seems half dog...the other a Recluse who needs daily Lorazepam to exist (feral blood).
We just lost out 3 year old black cat Wendy to cancer this month. She was great fun, full of sass. When she was on the kitchen counter and shooed off, she wouldn’t just scoot like another cat, she would tell us off and complain, first. We miss her.
My folks always had a black cat, quite a few over the decades. Always named Blackie.
I hope so. Kirby, my neighbor's Tuxie, is an old friend of mine.
The black cats I've had always seemed smarter.
Thanks for posting the pics of your beautiful cats.
There is an amazing YouTube channel called OwlKitty starring a black cat injected into pop culture content, for example, OwlKitty battles Godzilla.
“Do Tuxedos count?”
I currently have a Tuxedo cat. Boyd. He’s a big, dumb doofus, but very sweet.
Eva (American Shorthair gray Tabby & white) is my Killing Machine. She’s very independent and earns her keep around here.
Both from the same litter from our neighbors. Beau wanted some barn cats, but they ended up being indoor/outdoor kitties, which is fine by me. Both are fixed.
Oh they are so handsome
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.