Cats were domesticated around 9,000 to 10,000 years ago in the Middle East's Fertile Crescent, where early agricultural societies emerged. Grain storage attracted rodents, and wild cats followed, naturally controlling the pest population. Humans recognized their value and gradually domesticated them. Unlike dogs, cats were domesticated more passively, retaining much of their independence and wild behavior due to their usefulness.
Cats were not merely household pets but were considered sacred beings closely associated with the goddess Bastet. Bastet, the goddess of home, fertility, and protection, was often depicted as a lioness or a woman with the head of a domestic cat. The Egyptians revered all cats, black cats included, seeing in them the protective and nurturing qualities of Bastet. Cats were believed to bring good fortune to homes and were protectors of crops by controlling the rodent population. The killing of a cat, even accidentally, was met with severe punishment, underscoring the high value placed on these animals.
The respect for cats extended beyond life into death, where many cats were mummified and buried in special cemeteries. Some were even interred alongside their owners, highlighting the bond between humans and cats in Egyptian society. This practice illustrates the deep spiritual and cultural significance of cats, as they were seen as beings worthy of the same rituals afforded to humans.
Cats also found a place in other ancient civilizations, though often with less religious significance. In ancient Rome and Greece, cats were appreciated primarily for their practical role in controlling pests. While they were valued, they did not attain the same revered status as in Egypt. However, the practical utility of cats as hunters of vermin made them indispensable in many households, and they were often kept for this purpose.
During the the Middle Ages when Europe was rife with fear of the unknown, black cats have been subjected to a great deal of misunderstanding and mistreatment, largely due to cultural myths and superstitions. Their elusive behavior and nocturnal habits led to associations with witchcraft, bad luck, and even the devil. The fear of the occult was widespread, and religious authorities often equated mysterious animals with evil.
The persecution of cats reached a significant peak in the 13th century. In 1233, The Pope Gregory IX issued the papal bull Vox in Rama, which condemned heretical groups and witchcraft. Although the bull primarily targeted heretical sects like the Cathars, it also played a role in vilifying cats. Cats —especially black ones— were believed to be used in satanic rituals.
This papal decree led to widespread persecution of cats across Europe, leading to their mass torture and killing. Cats, especially black ones, were increasingly viewed as symbols of evil, fueling fears that contributed to the rampant witch hunts that later swept through Europe. Women who kept cats were particularly vulnerable, as their association with these animals often led to accusations of witchcraft, resulting in trials and executions.
The legacy of Pope Gregory IX’s decree lingered for centuries, casting a long shadow over cats, particularly black cats, and reinforcing their association with bad luck and the supernatural. Even today, black cats are still seen as omens of misfortune, a testament to the enduring power of medieval superstition.
Ironically, the persecution of cats had unintended consequences. Some historians suggest that the mass killing of cats, particularly during the late medieval period, may have contributed to the rapid spread of the Black Death in the 14th century. Cats were natural predators of rats, which were carriers of the plague. With fewer cats to control the rat population, the disease spread more easily across Europe, resulting in one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.
This belief persisted into the Salem witch trials in the late 17th century in America. Accused witches were often said to keep black cats as companions, further linking these felines to dark forces. The fear and suspicion surrounding black cats led to their widespread mistreatment, including mass killings. It was believed that by ridding oneself of a black cat, one could avoid bad luck, a practice that sadly continued for centuries.
However, not all societies held negative views— In Japan, black cats are traditionally considered symbols of good fortune. This belief is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and culture, where cats, in general, are often seen as protective spirits. Specifically, a black cat is believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. In fact, the "Maneki-neko," or the "beckoning cat" figure, which is commonly seen in Japanese businesses, often comes in black. A black Maneki-neko is thought to offer protection and attract good luck, especially in terms of wealth and prosperity. For single women, a black cat is also believed to attract potential suitors and bring romantic luck.
In Scotland, a black cat appearing at one's doorstep is traditionally seen as a sign of prosperity and future happiness. This belief likely stems from the ancient Celtic culture, where animals were often revered as symbols of divine messages and omens. A black cat's arrival in the home was interpreted as a positive omen, signaling that wealth or a blessing was on its way.
Even as recently as the 19th and early 20th centuries, black cats were still viewed with suspicion in many cultures. In some places, seeing a black cat cross your path was considered a bad omen, leading to their abandonment and neglect.
In Gothic and Victorian literature, black cats often appear as ominous yet alluring figures. They might be associated with witches or supernatural beings, representing forbidden or dangerous love. The black cat's silent, watchful presence adds an element of suspense and mystery, enhancing the romantic tension in the narrative.
The history of black cats is a tale of contrasts, where cultural perceptions have ranged from revered symbols of good fortune to unjustly feared creatures of superstition in Europe and North America. This negative stigma persists even today.
Black cats are less likely to be adopted than their more colorful counterparts, often overlooked in shelters due to outdated beliefs.
Adopting a black cat is not only an act of compassion but also a way to help dispel the myths that have unfairly burdened these beautiful creatures. By opening your home to a black cat, you contribute to rewriting their story—one of love, care, and the good fortune they truly represent.