From Witches to Superstition: Why Black Cats Got a Bad Rap

Since the 13th century, many groups have associated black cats with evil. This belief has snowballed into deeper superstitions, fueling the narrative that black cats are bad luck. The concept ran rampant among various religions and cultures, going so far that some people even targeted and murdered innocent black cats in fits of fear and paranoia.

While the myth of black cats bringing bad luck has been debunked and lessened throughout the years, many still avoid adopting black cats to this day. In fact, black cats have the lowest rate of adoption of any coat color, according to research on cat coat color and cat outcomes in an urban U.S. shelter. Unfortunately, as a result of low adoption rates and high numbers of black kitties, they also have the highest rate of euthanasia. While their association with bad luck might not be the driving force behind these statistics, the superstition certainly doesn’t help their case.

But what are the origins of these superstitions — and why are they still so prevalent and impactful today? Here’s why black cats are considered bad luck and how you can help shift this narrative.

This post was updated on September 24, 2025 to clarify adoption/euthanasia statistics, association with The Plague, the 1233 papal bull link, and health claims related to melanin.

History and Origin of Black Cat Superstitions

Seeing the number 13, walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror, opening an umbrella inside, and encountering a black cat — all of these share a commonality: apparent bad luck. While there’s no scientific evidence that any of the previously mentioned symbols or occurrences actually bring misfortune, many people still hold the superstitions in high regard, avoiding potential “bad luck” at all costs. 

The specific idea that black cats are bad luck originated as early as the 13th century. Around that time, the 1233 papal bull Vox in Rama by Pope Gregory IX linked cats (particularly black cats) to heretical rituals. The superstition grew even more from folklore, witchcraft trials, and later medieval associations. Generally, people linked these sophisticated felines to the devil, witches, or other forms of “evil.” This is where their association with bad luck stemmed from. If a black cat crosses your path, some people will still claim this is an evil spirit paying you a visit.

However, this concept wasn’t true for everyone. In fact, some cultures actually viewed black cats as good luck. For instance, in Japan, many believe you’ll experience good luck if a black cat crosses your path. Additionally, ancient Egyptians once worshipped black cats for their poise, protection against bad energy, and ability to hunt.

Black Cats Were Associated with the Devil and Witches

As mentioned above, many cultures and religions linked black cats to evil entities like the devil or malicious “witches.” Some medieval theories claim that black cats are evil spirits or incarnates of demons (or, at the very least, companions of them).

When it comes to the idea of witches, however, you might notice how that declaration has progressed over the years. In the past, witches were deemed “evil,” practicing dark magic and casting harmful spells. However, as evidenced by the Salem Witch Trials, many of the alleged “witches” were innocent women.  

These devastating killings taught us just how powerful and dangerous superstitions can be. The witch trials all started because of one ill individual’s single claim of bewitchment (when, in reality, it was likely she was suffering from the fungus ergot, which can cause delusions and muscle spasms, among other symptoms). Such superstitions can cause paranoia and fear so strong that it drives some to kill in order to “protect” themselves and others.

Many Blamed Black Cats for Spreading the Plague

During the Middle Ages, the Bubonic plague was rampant. Caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, which is typically found in small mammals or fleas, the plague became a life-threatening issue. Also called the “Black Death,” the plague killed more than one-third of Europe — 25 million people. 

When the plague was at its worst, many people were struggling to find a solution. Because of their association with evil, cats became a prime target, especially black cats. Some people began to blame cats for the spread of the plague, going as far as killing them in an attempt to protect themselves and other humans. While this was intended to stop the spread of the plague, killing cats actually had the opposite effect. In fact, it deduced the number of cats who could control the rodent population — the real culprit fueling the disease’s spread.

Not only did black cats not contribute to the spread of the plague, but studies suggest their melanism involves mutations in genes related to the same pathways targeted by HIV in humans. Essentially, there may be some resistance benefits to their dark shade, specifically in regard to the feline immunodeficiency virus). However, because of medieval claims, people continue to believe black cats bring poor health.

They Have an Air of Mystery

Simply admiring a black cat, you will likely notice they carry an air of mystery. Maybe this is because of their nocturnal nature, sleek appearance, or luminous (often yellow/green) eyes. Or maybe the tendency of their dark coat to blend into the shadows evokes curiosity. Additionally, their dual nature — feared as omens of bad luck in medieval Europe yet celebrated as symbols of prosperity in Japan and Scotland — highlights their ambiguous mystique.

They’re Thought to Bring Misfortune

Aside from superstitions associated with witchcraft, there are a few other historical and cultural reasons black cats picked up a reputation for misfortune. In many cultures, the color black itself was tied to night, death, and the unknown. Since black cats blend into the dark, they were more likely to startle people. Their “lurking unseen” may have reinforced the idea that they were “tricksters” or unlucky. In parts of Europe, a black cat on board a ship was thought to bring storms. In medieval Europe, it became common to say that if a black cat crossed your path, it could divert your fortune — almost like it was intercepting spiritual energy.

Shift the Narrative: Black Cats Are Not Bad Luck

The superstition that black cats are bad luck has been harmful to these friendly felines for ages. In fact, as mentioned earlier, black cats have a lower rate of adoption and the highest rate of euthanasia of any color. Many blame these devastating stats on the idea that black cats are bad luck — a myth that we should work to break as a society. 

There are many reasons to adopt a black cat. These poised felines are beautiful, have great personalities, and can be loving companions. Just because superstitions paint black cats in a negative light doesn’t mean they’re bad luck. In fact, in many other cultures — and in my personal experience as a black cat owner — they’re actually good luck.