Black Cat Myths

The Egyptian goddess Bast, of the 22nd Dynasty, was believed to take the form of a black cat. Many ancient Egyptians tried to court her favor by adding a black cat to their own household, in the hopes that she would eventually become part of the animal's spirit and subsequently grace their home with riches and prosperity.

Witch hunts and related trials reached a point of mass hysteria during the 15th century, yet the focus wasn't just on suspected witches but their "familiars" as well -- i.e., animals that embodied a supernatural spirit and powers that could be used to cast spells. Black cats became the animals most commonly thought to be familiars, and subsequently, they often met the same judgment and fate as their owners.

Maybe King Charles I of England was on to something, as his luck seemed to run out right after his beloved cat passed away. The next day, Oliver Cromwell's parliamentary troops came and arrested Charles; shortly after, he was taken to the scaffold and beheaded!

As far as these countries are concerned, a black cat symbolizes nothing but good fortune. In Scotland, one spotted on a porch is an even stronger sign of riches and prosperity on the way.

According to legend, fishermen's wives were known to keep a black cat in the home while their husbands were out at sea, to ensure their safe return.

It's one of the most commonly misunderstood myths associated with black cats, but whether it's a good or bad thing all hinges on directions. If a black cat is walking toward someone, that's good; however, a black cat walking away from someone is believed to take the good luck with it.

While the mysterious single white hair is directly tied in to marriage, some also believe that just stroking the fur of black cats can bring both health and wealth.

Of course, the tricky part would be getting the cat -- black or otherwise -- not to freak out while you're attempting to rub their tail on your eye!

A superstition that originated in Italy, the presence of a black cat sitting bedside with the ill actually serves as a sign that death is near.

The iconic image, also known as the wild cat or sabot cat, was designed by Ralph Chaplin, who was prominently involved with the Industrial Workers of the World, a union that came into the spotlight in the early 20th century during their fight to organize women and people of color, along with advocating for an eight-hour workday.