Celebrate Black Cat Appreciation Day With These 7 Fun Finds

Recognized around the world, National Black Cat Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on August 17. Wayne H. Morris created the holiday in 2011 to honor his sister, June, and her black cat, Sinbad, who had both recently passed away. Helping establish the holiday was Rikki’s Refuge Animal Sanctuary in Rapidan, Virginia, where Wayne Morris volunteers. In honor and celebration of June and Sinbad and black cats everywhere, A-Z-Animals has created a list of seven black cat products. Make no mistake, though. These products just pay homage to black cats — they are for humans only.

Black Cat Peanut Butter

Black Cat Peanut Butter is a popular peanut butter brand made in South Africa, with a focus on using simple, wholesome ingredients. It comes in several varieties, including the classic options: smooth and crunchy. The brand, which will be celebrating its 100th anniversary soon, is produced in a brand-new manufacturing facility in Krugersdorp, South Africa. The new facility can process 20,000 tons of peanuts annually, or about 1 million jars of peanut butter per month. Black Cat Peanut Butter is available from a number of websites, including WELKOM USA, where a 14-ounce jar of smooth peanut butter is $7.99.

Black Cat Espresso

When they moved from San Francisco to Chicago, Emily Mange and Doud Zell said they weren’t able to find a decent cup of coffee. Taking matters into their own hands, they founded Intelligentsia Coffee in 1995. From its humble beginnings as a brick-and-mortar coffee roaster and shop, the company has become a central figure in the third-wave coffee movement, which emphasizes direct-trade sourcing and fair pricing.

Intelligentsia has expanded beyond its Chicago roots. The company operates coffee bars and roasting facilities in Boston, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Austin, and Seoul, South Korea. Intelligentsia Coffee is also available at many major retail establishments and on its website. Purchased directly, a 12-ounce bag of Black Cat Classic Espresso Beans is $17.50.

Allen’s Black Cats

Allen’s Black Cats are an Australian aniseed-flavored jelly candy. These soft, squishy black cat-shaped jellies were traditionally part of Allen’s Party Mix Lollies, which were introduced in 1971. However, their popularity with consumers resulted in Allen’s Black Cats becoming available as a standalone product in 2020.

Allen’s Black Cats are available from a variety of stores and online retailers, including The Australian Food Shop, where a six-ounce bag is $9.99.

Black Cat Firecrackers

Black Cat Fireworks has been lighting up skies and igniting celebrations for generations. The brand has a reputation for dependability, from crackling firecrackers to dazzling aerial shells. Black Cat Fireworks were introduced to the U.S. in the 1940s by the Chinese trading company Li & Fung and officially registered as a U.S. trademark in 1952.

The product line contains an impressive array of fountains, rockets, roman candles, and aerial shells. However, its classic Black Cat firecrackers are the brand’s original claim to fame. Black Cat products are available at retail outlets across the U.S. Black Cat firecrackers come in various sizes and quantities, with prices ranging from around $0.50 for a pack of 16 to $189.99 for a 16,000-roll.

Air Jordan IV Black Cat

Originally released in 2006 and reissued in 2020, the Nike Air Jordan IV Black Cat is a sneaker that blends Michael Jordan’s on-court legacy with an all-black aesthetic. Made of premium nubuck leather, the Black Cat’s monochrome design makes it a versatile accessory. These shoes look as good with formal attire as they do with leisure wear. More than just a shoe, the Air Jordan IV Black Cat embodies coolness in its purest, darkest form. Own a piece of history as you elevate your style with a pair of Nike Air Jordan IV Black Cats, available for $190.

Odin Parker Black Cat Necklace

With a playful nod to superstition, Odin Parker’s Black Cat Necklace features a hand-painted porcelain pendant. Each piece is subtly unique thanks to its handmade nature. The feline charm, part of the magical animal collection, is a delightful keepsake for cat lovers and magic makers. The wee ceramic kitty hangs from a 24-inch heirloom-quality chain of 24k gold-plated steel. If you have a black cat lover in your life, surprise them with this adorable necklace, $35, at OdinParker.com.

Kitty-Cat Clock

The Kitty-Cat Clock, with its ever-wagging tail and rolling eyes, is a quintessential piece of Americana. This playful clock has brightened walls and lifted spirits since its introduction in 1932. Created by Earl Arnault, the clock was manufactured during the Great Depression in response to the gloom and doom that many Americans were feeling. The smiling cat with a bow tie quickly became a cultural icon. Its rhythmic tail-swishing and steady eye-rolling represent a tradition that blends function with a dash of nostalgia. The Kitty-Cat Clock is widely available, including from the Museum of Modern Art online store. The store offers a small clock for $50 (or $45 with a museum membership) and a large clock for $60 (or $54 for members).