How to celebrate National Black Cat Day

Every October 27, pet parents and animal lovers come together to celebrate some of the most misunderstood felines. It’s National Black Cat Day, an annual event dedicated to honoring the beauty of these sleek, dark-coated kitties and helping them find loving homes. The day was created to change the narrative for black cats, who often face unfair biases due to outdated superstitions, especially around Halloween.

What is National Black Cat Day?

While you may have also heard of a similar holiday on August 17 (that’s National Black Cat Appreciation Day), National Black Cat Day on October 27 has its own unique story. It was started in the United Kingdom back in 2011 by Cats Protection, a feline welfare charity. They noticed a troubling trend in their shelters: black and black-and-white cats took about a week longer to be adopted than cats of other colors. The organization launched the dedicated holiday to celebrate these cats’ unique beauty and encourage potential adopters to look past their fur color.

The October 27 date was chosen to be near Halloween, a time when myths about black cats are at their peak. And though it started in the U.K., the celebration has since gained popularity around the world. Both the August and October dates are great opportunities to show some love for these misunderstood cats.

Why black cats need a special day

Shelter employees often refer to the challenges these cats face as “Black Cat Syndrome.” Statistics show that black cats can wait much longer for adoption than other cats. There are a few reasons for this. Lingering superstitions about them being “bad luck” still play a role, but other factors are at play, too. Their dark fur can make them difficult to photograph well for online adoption profiles, causing them to be overlooked. And because black is a common coat color, some people may see them as less unique than, say, a calico or tabby.

Of course, a cat’s personality has nothing to do with its color. “Coat color has no bearing on a cat's personality or health,” Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s Chief Veterinary Officer says. “The bias is based entirely on human perception, not the wonderful, individual nature of the cats themselves.” 

Debunking black cat myths

The idea that black cats bring bad luck is mostly a Western superstition that gained traction during the Middle Ages. In many other cultures, they’re actually seen as symbols of good fortune. A few examples:

• In Japan, black cats are considered good luck charms, especially for single women hoping to attract suitors. 
• In Scotland, a black cat arriving at your doorstep is a sign of coming prosperity.
• Sailors historically believed that having a black cat on board their ship would ensure a safe journey.

And long before these superstitions existed, ancient Egyptians revered all cats, including black ones. The goddess Bastet, a protector of the home, was often depicted with the head of a black cat. The truth is, their dark coloring is simply the result of a genetic trait called melanism, which creates a lot of dark pigment in their fur. It’s biology, not bad luck.

Ideas to celebrate black cats

Whether you have a tiny shadow of your own or just want to support the cause, there are plenty of ways to participate in National Black Cat Day.

How to honor your black cat

If you’re lucky enough to share your home with a black cat, make their day extra special. Treat them to a new toy, a favorite canned food or a gentle grooming session to make their coat shine. Since they can be tricky to photograph, use the day as a fun challenge. Find a spot with plenty of natural light, choose a colorful blanket as a contrasting background and focus on their beautiful, expressive eyes. Then, share your best shots online to spread the love.

Ways to help from afar

You don’t need to be a pet parent to a black cat to make a difference. Consider donating food, blankets or money to your local animal shelter in their honor. You can also sponsor the adoption fee for a black cat, which removes a barrier for potential adopters. Another powerful and free way to help is by using your social media to share photos and stories of adoptable black cats from nearby rescues. A simple share can help a deserving cat find their forever family.

Celebrating our feline friends

National Black Cat Day is more than just a call for appreciation — it’s a movement to rewrite an outdated story. By celebrating their beauty, sharing their stories and supporting the shelters that care for them, we can help these deserving felines get the love and recognition they’ve always deserved.