6 Fun Black Cat Facts
Black cats are as fascinating as they are adorable—which is saying a lot. On top of being fun and cute, they’ve also captivated cultures all over the world throughout history. Check out some of the many fun facts about black cats that make these felines so special.
1. They’re Great Matchmakers
In Japan, single ladies are encouraged to have a black cat because they can attract a potential suitor. That's right: black cats are considered the ultimate matchmakers. Which makes sense because there's actually some scientific evidence that owning a furry friend makes you more active socially and better at establishing healthy relationships. And, let's face it, who can resist someone with an adorable cat?
2. Many Black Cats Have Golden Eyes
The bodies of black cats produce a high amount of melanin, a chemical which accounts for their dark coat. Melanin can also affect the color of a cat's eyes, which is why it’s common for black cats to have beautiful yellow or gold irises.
3. They Might Make You Rich
In many Asian countries, such as China and Japan, black cats are not only considered good luck, but also attractors of wealth. That's why you may see a black “maneki-neko” (meaning “beckoning cat”) figurine in Chinese or Japanese restaurants and grocery stores — black cats are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
Also, according to Scottish legend, it’s considered quite lucky to encounter a strange black cat on your porch. That's because black cats bring prosperity, something that the Scottish seem to take to heart. Recently, a Scottish bingo hall recruited several black cats to improve the luck of its patrons.
4. Black Cats Tend to Be Male
Black cats can of course be either male or female. But similar to calico cats, which are almost always female, black cats are more genetically predisposed to be male than female.
5. They Bring Good Luck
In most of the United Kingdom, black cats are considered so lucky that some people give them to newlyweds as a gift of good fortune. Meanwhile, in Germany, it's considered lucky when a black cat crosses your path from right to left, but not left to right. And in other parts of Europe, sailors considered black cats exceedingly lucky to have on a ship — the families of sailors would even keep black cats in their homes for twice the luck. Plus, many theater actors believe black cats are lucky. Some even bring them backstage to encourage award-winning performances and bring good vibes to the venue.
6. There Are Many Types of Black Cats
The Cat Fancier’s Association recognizes 22 breeds of cats that allow for solid black coats. But there aren’t as many specific breeds of black cats — only the Bombay consists solely of cats with black coats.
