Why Black Cats Deserve the Spotlight This October
As autumn sets in, crisp morning walks and cozy evenings mean one thing for cat lovers that October is here! While pumpkin spice and Halloween decorations start popping up, October also marks an important month in the feline calendar.
Black Cat Awareness Month
At Portishead Cat Sitter, I have the privilege of caring for cats of every shape, size, and bread. Yet, black cats hold a particularly special place in my heart not only because of their striking looks, but because they often need a little extra advocacy.
Despite their rich history and loving temperaments, rescue organizations across the UK report that black and tuxedo cats take significantly longer to be rehomed than their tabby or ginger counterparts. They are often overlooked and I don’t understand why.
Dispelling the Myths: Good Fortune, Not Bad Luck
For centuries, black felines have been burdened with outdated superstitions. Often linked to witches and bad omens, history tells a very different story.
In traditional British culture, a black cat visiting your doorstep is considered a sign of imminent prosperity and good luck.
Sailors historically kept black cats on ships, believing they guaranteed safe journeys across the sea, they considered them a good luck charm.
Black cats are viewed as powerful symbols of good fortune, often believed to attract love and protect homes from negative energy within Japanese culture.
In ancient Egyptian times, black cats were often viewed as divine creatures in whom the gods lived.
Why is this?
A common factor is simply photography, with darker fur being harder to capture clearly in photographs, making their expressive eyes and distinct personalities harder to see online.
In reality, black cats have some of the most soulful expressions and affectionate personalities you could ask for!
History of International Black Cat Awareness Month
The creation of International Black Cat Awareness Month came about after its creator, Layla Morgan Wilde, noticed that while there are two days dedicated to black cats in the world (one in the UK, one in the US) there wasn’t anything dedicated to them on a national level.
So the month of October has been designated as the time to notice and appreciate the beautiful black cats in our lives.
Any cat lover knows that black cats are not witches in disguise or evil in any way. In fact, they are no different than any other coloured cat. They’re adorable and need our attention just as
When you go away, leaving your cat at home minimizes stress by maintaining their familiar surroundings. Through tailored drop-in visits and overnight care, I can make sure every cat gets the patient, quiet attention, playtime, and affection they need to feel completely at ease.
Celebrating Black Cats Across Portishead
Planning a trip away soon? Whether for a weekend break or an extended holiday, get in touch with Portishead Cat Sitter to discuss personalised, in-home care for your feline family member.
Contact Rebecca
07557022201
Do you have a black cat in your family?
Share your favourite photos and stories on social media using #NationalBlackCatDay and #PortisheadCats #BlackCatDay to help spread the appreciation!
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