Black Cats of Halloween
Black Cats are often misperceived as an omen of bad luck and demonic wickedness. Especially in the days leading up to Halloween. The black cat has often been symbolically tied to supposed evils and spell-casting witches. This representation began with the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims maintained strict suspicion and distrust of anything remotely tied to witchcraft, black cats included. Due to this, the Pilgrims were known to burn them as a way to protect themselves. Anyone found to be harboring a black cat was harshly punished and potentially sentenced to death. Still to this day black cats have the lowest adoption rates and the highest euthanization rates in comparison to other breeds.
While the Pilgrims brought their beliefs of black cats being apart of a superstitious curse to the United States, this isn’t a belief shares across all cultures. In Britain, Japan, Ireland and Scotland the presence of a black cat is said to be a sign of good fortune and prosperity. In ancient Egypt, they were highly worshiped and considered an embodiment of the gods.
If you want to help change the societal narrative consider adopting a black cat from your local animal shelter during Black Cat Appreciation Month this October.
Need a name for your newest feline companion? Consider one of the 18 names from this list.
Black Cats from Pop Culture
Bagheera
This ferocious feline was the black panther in The Jungle Book.
Binx
In 1993’s Hocus Pocus, Thackery Binx was a a boy who was turned into an immortal cat by the Sanderson Sisters.
Felix
Felix the Cat hit the silent movie screen and has remained one of the most iconic felines to date.
Figaro
Disney fans may recognize Figaro from two different tales, Pinocchio and Minnie Mouse
Luna
Luna is Usagi’s pet cat from the Sailor Moon franchise.
Oscar
Oscar is an all black cat who has both his hind paws amputated and replaced with prosthetics after a combine harvester incident. A book, Oscar the Bionic Cat was published in 2013.
Salem
From Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Salem was a 500 year old witch who was sentenced to spend 100 years as a cat as punishment for trying to take over the world.
Selina
Fans of DC Comics may recognize this name. Selina Kyle was the real name of Catwoman.
Sylvester
Tweety bird’s enemy in the 1930’s cartoon Looney Tunes.
Popular Names for Black Cats
Ash
Origin: Hebrew, English - Meaning: Happy, Ash Tree
Blakely
Origin: English - Meaning: Dark Woodland Clearing
Jack
Origin: Diminutive of John- Meaning: God is Gracious
Layla
Origin: Arabic - Meaning: Night
Lilith
Origin: Assyrian - Meaning: Ghost of the Night
Loki
Origin: Norse Mythology - Meaning: Trickster God
Obsidian
Origin: English - Meaning: A Dark Glass Formed by the Cooling of Molten Lava
Onyx
Origin: English - Meaning: Black Gemstone
Raven
Origin: English - Meaning: Dark Haired, Blackbird