Black Cat Appreciation Day falls on August 17th, a date close to my heart for reasons that go beyond superstition and folklore. My own black cat, Lulu, was my constant companion for years.

Many cultures agree that our feline friends are mysterious and charming creatures. Lulu taught me many valuable lessons – patience, loyalty, and the joy of being unapologetically yourself. Despite getting a bad rap from the Catholic Church, which claimed that black cats were evil, they have their own distinctive  personality, they make great companions, and, as we will see, there are numerous real-life stories that prove they are special.

August 17th is a day to cherish and celebrate the Black Cats. Founded by Wayne H Morris in 2011, Black Cat Appreciation Day was created to honor his sister and her cat, Sinbad, both of whom passed away in the same year. 

This day is dedicated to celebrating black cats, dispelling myths, and encouraging their adoption. Black cats are special and full of stories — they carry a mysterious elegance and unique charm and are surrounded by superstitions and myths.

From Fear to Fascination

Back in the 13th century, in Mediaeval Europe, the Catholic Church claimed that black cats were an evil spirit related to Satan, as documented in written documents issued by Pope Gregory IX. Therefore, their bad rep spread quickly, and they developed a reputation as symbols of misfortune, which, unfortunately, still persists today.

“During the 13th century, the Catholic Church even claimed that black cats were an incarnation of Satan, as documented in written documents issued by Pope Gregory IX, which only contributed to the distrust and superstitions surrounding these beautiful kitties. [1]‘

In cinema, black cats are often shown with a spooky presence, as in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Hocus Pocus, and Kiki’s Delivery Service, where the black cat is represented as the witch’s adventure companion. The popular fantasy film Coraline also features a black cat who acts as a guardian, advisor, and loyal friend.

Unfortunately, superstitious attitudes cause many people to avoid adopting black cats, which leads to lower adoption rates. According to the National Library of Medicine, a recent study found that a subsample of more than 1,200 entirely black cats did not experience improved chances of adoption or transfer to a rescue organization in October compared to other months. Additionally, they had the lowest adoption rate of any cat color — just 10%.

The RSPCA said that “In the animal shelter world, there’s a phenomenon known as ‘Black Cat Syndrome’ (and the same for black dogs as well), where they are often the last animals to be adopted from shelters.

It’s a heartbreaking truth and is thought to be because of the old superstitions held by some humans – that black animals, and cats in particular, mean bad luck.”

Stories That Inspire 

In the memoir Bono: The Amazing Story of a Rescue Cat Who Inspired a Community, written by the New Zealander author Helen Brown, she shares the story of her inner journey in New York fostering a special-needs black kitten who lost its home during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. In her book, Helen shares that fostering Bono taught her that the whole point of being alive is to remain open to the possibility of love. No matter how much physical and emotional hurt a person has endured, the heart must stay open.

Another heartwarming story is the book Homer’s Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned about Love and Life with a Blind Wonder Cat, about a black kitten born blind. The author shares how adopting and living with an eyeless feline taught him about courage and love.

Good Omen

However, some cultures view them as symbols of good luck and protection.

• For example, in Japan, there’s a saying that single women who have black cats are believed to attract more suitors.
• British sailors trusted black cats to bring good luck and weather during their journey, as well as safety.
• In Scotland, there’s a saying that if a black cat appears at your doorstep, it will bring wealth into your life.

Released in 2024, the Oscar-winning movie Flow has been helping to shift these beliefs; since its release, animal shelters have reported a noticeable rise in black cat adoptions.

According to the Brazilian newspaper Metrópoles, black cats are now often called “Flow cats” and are more sought after for adoption. The Ampara Animal Institute says the film is “changing the reality” for these animals by breaking old myths and encouraging more people to adopt them.

Why we Celebrate

You might be surprised by how sweet these creatures are. On this special day, celebrate with your black fur friend and spread the word; every little bit helps change the lives of black cats everywhere.

So this August 17th, spend time with your black-furred friend, share their photo online, or visit a shelter to meet the cats still waiting for a home. Every story told, every myth challenged, brings us a little closer to a future where no cat is judged by the colour of its coat.

For me personally, it’s a wonderful way to remember and celebrate the life of Lulu.

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