5 Reasons to Adopt a Black Kitty

When you think of Halloween, there’s witches, monsters, and, of course, black cats. But even though black cats have gotten a reputation for being bad luck (or even evil), there are tons of reasons why black cats make a wonderful addition to your family. Here are 5 reasons to adopt a black kitty.

1. They Need a Home.

The Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes 22 different cat breeds with solid black coats, and these cats have the lowest adoption rates for all cats—and, sadly, the highest rate of euthanasia in shelters. It could be because of the superstitions surrounding black cats, or possibly that their dark coat isn’t as attractive as lighter, more colorful cats in the subdued lighting of many animal shelters.

As such, there have been social media campaigns in recent years dedicated to helping bring awareness to all of the black cats in need of a home. And that’s why these kitties in particular need your love.

2. The Superstitions Aren’t True

The association between bad luck and black cats dates all the way back to the Middle Ages, when black cats somehow became associated with the devil. However, it’s unclear how this belief began, and since then there has been no evidence to suggest that these cats will bring their owners harm or bad luck.

Plus, in places like Britain, Japan, and Scotland, if you dream of a black cat—or a black cat does cross your path—it’s believed to be good luck. So there’s absolutely no logical reason to avoid bringing home one of these dark-haired beauties.   

3. Color Doesn’t Matter

According to Celia Haddon, a cat behaviorist and author of The Joy of Cats, Cats Behaving Badly, and 100 Ways to Be More Like Your Cat, cat owners sometimes report that their pet’s coat color seems to be linked to their personality—but science suggests otherwise. “Cat owners have said that ginger cats are more friendly, tortoiseshell are ‘intolerant,’ and white cats are aloof,” she explains, but a 2016 study reported that the differences among cat breeds made a much bigger difference than their coat color. At the same time, purebred cats are generally believed to be friendlier simply because they were more likely to have early contact with humans.

So what does the mean for black cats? Their individual breed, history, and relationships with people are going to have the most significant impact on their personalities—their coat color has nothing to do with it.

4. They’re Sleek, Stylish, and Sophisticated

You know how black goes with everything in your wardrobe? The same rule applies for black cats, who will look sleek and stylish against your wardrobe, home décor, and even your other cats.

Better yet, if you look closely, most black cats aren’t actually black at all—they’re a mix of several dark colors, from auburn to brown—making them all the more sophisticated.

5. They’re Elegant and Mysterious

Part of the allure of the black cat is that nobody quite knows why they’ve so long been thought of as bad omens, especially because these cats are elegant and mysterious—in fact, they’re sometimes even referred to as “miniature panthers.”

“We humans have to accept that there’s always going to be some degree of mystery with these cats…but that’s something to embrace,” says Jackson Galaxy, cat behaviorist, author of Catification, Catify to Satisfy, and Cat Daddy, and host of TV show My Cat From Hell.