Hello! It’s Onyx here. Halloween will soon be upon us, and as you know, this pawsome holiday is often associated with black cats. To celebrate, I’m going to tell you some things that relate the two together! 

• Black cats are often thought to be signs of bad luck. This, in combination with our dark coloring, have led people to see us as spooky figures. (This is totally unearned. The only spooky thing about black cats is how adorable we are.) 

• Ancient history has a lot to do with black cats symbolizing Halloween. In ancient Egypt, cats of all colors were considered divine symbols. Cats also have a place in Greek mythology, most noticeably with Hecate, the goddess of magic, sorcery, the moon, and witchcraft. Because of this, cats are thought to be the pets of witches. 

• In 1233, a written publication called “Vox in Rama was issued by Pope Gregory IX. In this document, black cats were declared an incarnation of Satan. This led to an inquisition of black cats, and this quickly spread all over Europe. 

• Because of their association with Satan and witches, black cats were seen as a threat to the Church in the 13th century. Cats also were partially blamed for spreading the plague, further solidifying the church’s disdain for them. 

• Black cats are often victims of abuse and cruelty during the Halloween season. Therefore, it’s important to keep your black cats inside and away from doors and windows, if possible. 

• In France, Spain, and Germany, black cats are thought to carry curses. However, in Japan and Egypt, cats are seen as signs of good luck and worshiped. 

• Black cats become popularized as Halloween figures in the United States with the Pilgrims in the Plymouth Colony. The pilgrims distrusted anything related to witchery and sorcery, including black cats, and actively persecuted them. 

• Black cats were regularly burned at the stake, especially on Shrove Tuesday, in the United States. 

• Even in modern day, many communities sacrifice black cats leading into Halloween. This cruel practice, while lessening, is still concerning, particularly in Wiccan communities.

• Perhaps a bit ironically, October 27th is Black Cat Day, right near Halloween. While black cat owners rejoice at their beautiful panthers, other, less desirable beings use this as an excuse to adopt out, or find, black cats and torture them .

And there’s the scoop on black cats and Halloween! I’m wishing you all a very happy Black Cat Day (it’s my favorite day of the year!) and a safe Halloween!