From Good Luck to Witchcraft: The Story of Black Cats

From Sacred Symbols to Superstitions

Did you know black cats weren’t always considered spooky?
In fact, they were once celebrated as symbols of good fortune and protection. In ancient Egypt, cats of all colors were revered, but black ones were especially admired. The goddess Bastet, often depicted with the head of a black cat, was considered the protector of homes, fertility, and joy. Harming a cat—particularly a black one—was seen as sacrilege.

Centuries later, sailors carried on the belief that black cats brought good luck. Many families of fishermen kept them at home, believing their presence ensured their loved ones’ safe return from sea. Some ships even brought black cats aboard as companions to guard against bad weather and evil spirits.

The Medieval Shift: From Luck to Fear

As Europe entered the Middle Ages, black cats’ once-glowing reputation dimmed. Their quiet, mysterious nature and ability to vanish into the night sparked suspicion in an age dominated by fear of the unknown. Glowing eyes in the dark and their silent movements made them the subject of rumor and superstition.

By the 13th century, the Catholic Church had begun associating cats—especially black ones—with witchcraft. Folklore claimed that witches kept black cats as familiars, magical companions that aided them in casting spells or communicating with dark forces. Some stories even claimed witches could transform into black cats to move unnoticed through villages.

Witch Trials and Widespread Persecution

Between the 15th and 17th centuries, as witch trials swept across Europe, superstition gave way to cruelty. People accused of witchcraft were often condemned alongside their feline companions. Black cats were killed in large numbers out of fear that they were evil spirits in disguise.

Ironically, this mass killing may have had deadly consequences. With fewer cats to control rodent populations, Europe’s rats multiplied—and along with them, the bubonic plague. The very animals people feared could have helped prevent one of history’s deadliest pandemics.

Black Cats Cross the Atlantic

When European settlers came to America, they brought their superstitions with them. In Puritan New England, where fear of witchcraft ran deep, black cats were once again linked to the supernatural. Folklore and religion intertwined, cementing the image of the black cat as an omen of bad luck—especially around Halloween, when tales of spirits and witches took center stage.

But in truth, black cats are no more mysterious—or unlucky—than any other feline. The only thing supernatural about them is their ability to capture our imagination.

The Other Side of the Story: Good Luck and Prosperity

Not all cultures viewed black cats with suspicion. In Japan, black cats were thought to bring romance and good fortune, especially for single women. In Scottish folklore, a black cat’s arrival at your doorstep was a sign of prosperity to come. Even some European sailors considered black cats good omens, believing they could calm seas and protect ships from storms.

Despite their unfair reputation, these sleek, elegant animals remained a sign of mystery and grace—symbols of balance between superstition and beauty.

Modern Myths and a Lesson in Perception

Today, black cats are Halloween icons—appearing on decorations, candy wrappers, and costumes. Sadly, their spooky image still carries real-world consequences. Animal shelters report that black cats are often adopted less frequently than others, and some even delay adoptions during October to prevent mistreatment.

Their story is a perfect Halloween reflection: how easily fear and misunderstanding can change how we see something innocent. Black cats once brought comfort and good fortune; they were loved and protected. Over time, rumor turned them into symbols of fear.

But myths can change again—and this Halloween, maybe the luckiest thing you can do is give one of these mysterious beauties a loving home.