Nothing But Love for Black Cats

If you share your home with a black cat, you already know their mysterious moody night dragon ways. They’re sleek, shiny, and have a way of cosplaying the black tee you left on the floor.

But behind those glowing eyes and stealthy paws lies a long history of superstition and symbolism. As you probably know (because you're a cat mama or daddy) International Black Cat Day is Monday, October 27th this year, so we thought it might be fun to clear up the myths, celebrate their magic, and remind ourselves that playtime might just be the best kind of luck we can give them.

Bad Luck? Not Here.

The idea that black cats are “bad luck” goes way back—like, medieval-Europe-level back. During the Middle Ages, people believed witches could shapeshift into black cats to sneak around unnoticed (which, honestly, sounds superb, like why can't I do that??)

Coincidentally, in ancient Egypt, black cats were considered good luck (they obviously knew what was up) and were worshiped for their resemblance to Bastet, the goddess of protection. It makes sense for your cat to have divine status for hunting down those pesky buggy intruders.

Black cats may have gotten a bad rap in some parts of the world at certain points in time, but elsewhere they’re highly regarded and symbolize fortune and prosperity:

• In Japan, a black cat crossing your path is considered lucky.

• In Scotland, a black cat on your doorstep means prosperity is coming.

• And British sailors brought black cats aboard ships for protection and calm seas (probably also as the original mousers with great hunting instincts).

So if your black cat darts out from behind the couch to attack your socks or has a fondness for zooming around like a not-so-golden snitch, just remember—they’re keeping your home safe from evil spirits and dust bunnies alike.

Their Noir Isn’t Just Beautiful, It's Powerful

Scientists have found that the genes responsible for black fur might make wild cats more resistant to certain diseases. While this data isn't formal and doesn't translate to domestic cats, we'll still take the potential advantage. Black cats are agile, clever, and curious by nature, and interactive toys help them use those instincts in ways that keep them both mentally sharp and physically strong. Whether it’s a toy that mimics prey or something they can stalk, chase, and “catch,” play isn’t just fun—it’s instinctual enrichment.

Is That Your Cat or a Black Pillow?

Black cats are notoriously hard to photograph, especially when they curl up in the one dark corner of the couch. Shelter workers even have a term for it: “black cat syndrome.” Because their features can be harder to capture in photos, they’re often overlooked by adopters.

But you and I know better! They might photograph like an indistinguishable blob, but  "living with a black cat is like living with a solar powered Halloween decoration," and the closer you look, the more you start to notice and appreciate their details. The way the light highlights the mound of their nose, how gleamy they look when sleeping in a sunbeam, or how their eyes glow when tracking a toy. My favorite is when you notice sparse white hairs among their black fur. And the best part? When they're hiding in plain sight but you can't seem to get eyes on them because of how well they blend in with.. everything.

I Am Mystery, I Am Mayhem

Black cats have personality in spades. Some are sleek shadows who follow you from room to room, others are chaos goblins with midnight zoomies and a flair for the dramatic (or maybe yours is a 50/50 blend). But one thing they all share? A love of play that’s equal parts curiosity, hunting instinct, and pure mischief.

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of that slow, calculating tail flick right before they launch themselves at a toy or your toes, you know exactly what I mean.

Pro tip: channel that midnight mischief into structured playtime. A few short sessions a day helps your cat burn energy, stay healthy, and keep that mysterious glimmer in their eyes; fun toys this way.

Happy International Black Cat Day to All The Voids in All the Land!

This International Black Cat Day, celebrate your house panther for what they really are: living, breathing good luck charms who make every day a little more mystical magical.

Spoil them with a new toy, try a brain game for mental stimulation and curiosity, or simply take a moment to observe your spooky darling for what he or she is; sleek, graceful, and completely captivating. Because the truth is, there’s nothing unlucky about a black cat, especially one who’s thriving, playing, and being exactly who they’re meant to be – your shadow, your sidekick, and your source of joy.