National Black Cat Day: Busting Myths and Honouring Our Shadow Companions
Sunday 26th, October 2025
Every year on the 27th of October, cat lovers across the UK celebrate National Black Cat Day - a day devoted to these often-misunderstood felines. Created by the animal welfare charity Cats Protection in 2011, the campaign aims to challenge the long-standing myths surrounding black cats and encourage their adoption from shelters.
Despite their beauty and charm, black cats are frequently overlooked in rescue centres. Studies by Cats Protection show that black and black-and-white cats take longer to rehome than their lighter-coloured counterparts - sometimes waiting weeks, even months, longer. One reason is superstition: for centuries, black cats have been unfairly associated with bad luck or witchcraft in some cultures.
Yet in many parts of the world, black cats are actually seen as symbols of good fortune. In Japan and Scotland, for example, they're believed to bring prosperity and protection. Their glossy coats and bright eyes are striking - and those who share their homes with black cats often describe them as affectionate, playful, and full of character.
National Black Cat Day was launched by Cats Protection to raise awareness of this adoption bias. The charity wanted to remind people that colour doesn't determine personality - and that every cat, regardless of shade, deserves a loving home. The date was chosen to fall just before Halloween, when myths about black cats are often at their peak, helping to shift the focus from superstition to celebration.
Since its launch, thousands of black cats have found new families thanks to the campaign. The event also serves as a reminder to prospective pet owners to look beyond appearance when adopting.
The connection between black cats and Halloween dates back centuries, rooted in folklore and ancient beliefs. During the Middle Ages, black cats were often linked to witches and the supernatural, with many people believing they were magical or even shape-shifting companions to witches. These associations found their way into popular culture, where black cats became enduring Halloween symbols alongside pumpkins, ghosts, and bats.
In reality, black cats are no more mysterious than any other feline - their reputation simply reflects stories passed down through generations. Unfortunately, this link to Halloween has had real-world consequences. Some shelters temporarily pause black cat adoptions around late October to ensure their safety, as myths and pranks can put them at risk.
Modern cat lovers now use the season as an opportunity to celebrate black cats rather than fear them. Halloween's connection with these animals serves as a reminder of how deeply myths can influence perceptions - and why education and compassion matter.
There are many ways to join in and show some love for black cats this 27 October:
Black cats have inspired folklore, art, and storytelling for centuries. Whether seen as lucky charms or mysterious muses, one thing remains true - they make wonderful companions. Their elegance, loyalty, and gentle nature have earned them a special place in many households. A cat's colour doesn't determine how much love it has to give.
National Black Cat Day isn't just about celebrating these sleek, stunning animals - it's about fairness, compassion, and giving every cat the chance to be loved. This year, as Halloween approaches, let's shine a light on our shadow-coloured companions and help more of them find the happy homes they deserve.
Despite their beauty and charm, black cats are frequently overlooked in rescue centres. Studies by Cats Protection show that black and black-and-white cats take longer to rehome than their lighter-coloured counterparts - sometimes waiting weeks, even months, longer. One reason is superstition: for centuries, black cats have been unfairly associated with bad luck or witchcraft in some cultures.
Yet in many parts of the world, black cats are actually seen as symbols of good fortune. In Japan and Scotland, for example, they're believed to bring prosperity and protection. Their glossy coats and bright eyes are striking - and those who share their homes with black cats often describe them as affectionate, playful, and full of character.
Origins of National Black Cat Day
National Black Cat Day was launched by Cats Protection to raise awareness of this adoption bias. The charity wanted to remind people that colour doesn't determine personality - and that every cat, regardless of shade, deserves a loving home. The date was chosen to fall just before Halloween, when myths about black cats are often at their peak, helping to shift the focus from superstition to celebration.
Since its launch, thousands of black cats have found new families thanks to the campaign. The event also serves as a reminder to prospective pet owners to look beyond appearance when adopting.
Black Cats and Halloween: Separating Fact from Fiction
The connection between black cats and Halloween dates back centuries, rooted in folklore and ancient beliefs. During the Middle Ages, black cats were often linked to witches and the supernatural, with many people believing they were magical or even shape-shifting companions to witches. These associations found their way into popular culture, where black cats became enduring Halloween symbols alongside pumpkins, ghosts, and bats.
In reality, black cats are no more mysterious than any other feline - their reputation simply reflects stories passed down through generations. Unfortunately, this link to Halloween has had real-world consequences. Some shelters temporarily pause black cat adoptions around late October to ensure their safety, as myths and pranks can put them at risk.
Modern cat lovers now use the season as an opportunity to celebrate black cats rather than fear them. Halloween's connection with these animals serves as a reminder of how deeply myths can influence perceptions - and why education and compassion matter.
There are many ways to join in and show some love for black cats this 27 October:
- Adopt, Don't Shop: If you're considering welcoming a cat into your home, visit your local rescue or shelter. You might find your perfect match in a black-coated beauty.
- Share Their Stories: Post photos or stories of your own black cats online using the hashtag #NationalBlackCatDay to help change perceptions.
- Support Local Charities: Donations, volunteering, or even fostering can make a real difference to cats waiting for homes.
- Educate Others: Gently challenge old myths and remind friends and family that a cat's colour has no bearing on its temperament.
Black cats have inspired folklore, art, and storytelling for centuries. Whether seen as lucky charms or mysterious muses, one thing remains true - they make wonderful companions. Their elegance, loyalty, and gentle nature have earned them a special place in many households. A cat's colour doesn't determine how much love it has to give.
National Black Cat Day isn't just about celebrating these sleek, stunning animals - it's about fairness, compassion, and giving every cat the chance to be loved. This year, as Halloween approaches, let's shine a light on our shadow-coloured companions and help more of them find the happy homes they deserve.