Debunking Myths: Nationwide Black Cat Day 2023 and the Reality about Black Cats

Good luck, dangerous luck, a witch’s pet – myths debunked this

Nationwide Black Cat Day (August 17, 2023)

We’re a nation of cat lovers with an estimated 11 million residing as pets within the UK*. Nevertheless, generally sure traits imply pets could be a little missed and sadly, black cats are one in every of them.

Not solely do rehoming charities usually have black cats ready longer to search out houses than different cats, however in a world dominated by social media, black cats are additionally usually stated to be ‘much less photogenic’ than different extra ‘vibrant’ cats.

For Nationwide Black Cat Day this August, PDSA vets along with PDSA Pet Insurance coverage have debunked among the commonest myths about black cats.

“Good luck, dangerous luck, a witch’s pet… there’s plenty of myths round our mysterious feline associates and we’ll admit that not all of them are nice,” explains PDSA Vet Lynne James.

“We, nevertheless, assume black cats are fantastic and there’s a great deal of causes they will make good pets.”

Lynne has debunked among the greatest myths surrounding black cats.

1. We don’t dwell within the center ages.

“It’s thought that the black cats and witches fantasy began someday within the center ages. We’re speaking a thousand years in the past right here. They’ve gotten an entire destructive repute based mostly on fantasy, when actually they’re no completely different to every other cat.

2. Black cats are literally good luck!

“Sailors used to take black cats aboard ships not solely to catch mice but additionally as a result of they believed they introduced them good luck. In Scotland, a black cat turning up at your door is an indication of prosperity!

3. They *may* dwell longer.

“In line with researchers on the Nationwide Institute of Well being, the gene that causes their fur to be black might additionally defend them in opposition to sure ailments. So your black cat could also be scientifically much less more likely to fall ailing with sure ailments.

4. Black cats might help your love life.

“Consider it or not, in some components of the world black cats are thought of ‘matchmakers’ and are thought to assist their homeowners discover real love! They’re even believed to be the proper marriage ceremony reward in some areas of the UK as they’re thought to deliver luck and happiness to the bride.

5. They had been worshipped.

“In Historical Egypt, all cats had been worshipped – together with black cats. All cats had been seen as sacred. In reality, the Egyptian goddess Bastet (who protected the house from evil spirits and illness) is usually portrayed as having the physique of a girl and the pinnacle of a black cat. Bastet continues to be worshipped right now and her safety is believed by some to be forged over trendy cats.”

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity offering an important service for pets throughout the UK whose homeowners wrestle to afford remedy prices for his or her sick and injured pets. For a lot of susceptible pets, PDSA is there to assist when there’s nowhere else for his or her homeowners to show.

The charity’s insurance coverage arm, PDSA Pet Insurance coverage, affords a variety of insurance policies to cowl cats and canines for accidents and sickness, in addition to offering entry to a 24/7 veterinary helpline. Each coverage bought raises funds for the charity’s life-saving veterinary work.

To seek out out extra go to www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-insurance-pdsa

*In line with the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2023.