10 Interesting Black Cat Facts That You Probably Didn’t Know

Know your black cat facts? Although black is arguably the most common color of a cat, there is a great misunderstanding regarding these black beauties.

A cats’ protection welfare facility in 2017 stated that black cats took 13% more time to find permanent homes as opposed to cats with different fur colors.

The reason why many people fear the black cat is because of stereotypes associated with them. Many folks associate these black felines with Halloween, witches, black magic and Satanism.

However, nothing can be further from the truth. Here are ten interesting and fascinating black cat facts.

1. Black is the Fur Pigmentation

Unsurprisingly, most people think that black colored cats belong to a particular breed. Well, that is not the case. Did you know that there are as many as 22 breeds of cats that can be black?

Some of these breeds include the Maine Coons, British Shorthairs, and Bombay cats, among other breeds.

2. There is an Exclusively Black Coloured Cat!

Yes, you heard that right, there is a cat which is exclusively black.

The Bombay was bred to resemble a panther – albeit in smaller proportions. The breed was developed in the 1960s in the United States.

The Bombay is a crossbreed of a sable Burmese and a black American Shorthair.

3. There are more males than Females

Another fascinating fact about the black cat is that there are more males than their female counterparts.

Naturally, any breed has to have male and female gender. However, for some reason, males dominate black cats in terms of numbers.

4. Black Cats Get a “Tan”

Maybe you have realized that when a black cat basks in the sun for long, its fur turns a brownish color.

Well, that is caused by the breakdown of the black pigmentation on the cat’s fur.

It is nothing to worry about, but it is advisable not to let your cat sit out under the sun for too long.

5. Beautiful Eyes

Most black cats have amazing yellow, green, or orange-colored eyes. The color is as a result of the dark pigmentation.

6. Black Cats Are Considered Lucky

It is an interesting predicament that these black felines find themselves in!

In some cultures, they are a sign of good fortune, while in other cultures, it’s the complete opposite.

In much of northern Europe and Asia, black cats are considered to bring good luck.

7. Black Cats Are Mistakenly Associated With Witchcraft

Although the belief that a black cat is favored by witches and this is wrong.

Unfortunately, many people still hold to that belief, thus giving these beautiful creatures a negative rep!

8. Black Fur Has Some Health Benefits

As compared to other cats, black cats are healthier. Although scientists are still doing more research, they believe that the black pigmentation protects the cats from certain ailments.

9. Black Cats Were Worshiped

In ancient Egypt, the black cat was considered sacred and was indeed worshiped.

A certain goddess by the name of Bastes was depicted as having a black cat’s head. The goddess was associated with bringing good fortune.

10. Tommaso the Richest Cat

The richest cat, according to the world Guinness book of record is Tommaso. In 2011, the cat inherited $13 million from his owner!

What a lucky black cat!

My Final Thoughts on These Black Cat Facts

Although black cats are associated with some dark myths, nothing can be further from the truth!

These black beauties have a ton of unique characteristics that are an envy of other cats!

I enjoyed putting this blog post together with my black American Shorthair called Coco by my side.

For daily posts mainly of our black cat Coco, check out the My Mini Panther Facebook page.