13 Fun Facts About Black Cats That Prove They’re Not Spooky

Cats, they're just like us! As they age, a black cat's fur may start to look gray or even white, per Catster. This is caused by a loss of pigmentation in the hair follicle, which is what happens to humans, too.

Black cats sometimes get a bad rap, but certain cultures consider them good luck. For example, in Japan, if a single person owns a black cat, it's thought to attract a mate, per Four Paws. Legend also has it that the wives of fisherman would keep a black cat at home, which they thought would help ensure their spouse's safe return, according to Animal Foundation.

It used to be a widely held belief that black cats had a tougher time getting adopted due to their spooky nature. That isn't totally true, however the genes that make up black coats are dominant, so there may just be more black cats in shelters than any other kind. 31 percent of cats adopted are black, according to a 2014 article in The Cut.

In Germany, if a cat crosses in front of you from right to left, that's a bad omen, but crossing left to right is a good sign. Pirates thought a black cat walking toward you was bad luck, per Petco, but walking away from you was good luck (and I think I agree with the pirates on the one).

If you think there's a lot of facts, you should see how many superstitions about cats there are. Some of my faves are that it's good luck to find a white hair on a black cat, and to dream of a black cat means you're lucky, according to Spruce Pets.

Most black cats look basically the same, but there are actually many different breeds. The Cat Fanciers' Association (a must read for anyone who does indeed fancy cats) lists 19 distinct cat breeds that may be black. Now try to spot the differences.

In Scotland it's said that if a black cat shows up on your porch or by your front door, it will bring you wealth, per Reuters. I actually have a cat that keeps showing up at my house, but it's orange, and I have a suspicion my fiancé is feeding him... Anyway, if you see a black cat at your door, consider yourself lucky, at least in Scotland.

Cat cafés have been popping up all over, but there's only one devoted entirely to black cats called Nekobiyaka in Himeji, Japan. You can look at the cats, but not pick them up, according to Mental Floss, and they each wear a different color bandana. Is that not the cutest thing ever?

The point is, cats with black coats are definitely more fascinating than creepy, as these fascinating facts show, so don't feel like you need to run away the next time you cross one's path.

Some research indicates that the same genetic mutation that gives cats their dark coats also makes black cats have stronger immune systems than other breeds. They may be more resistant to certain conditions like feline HIV.

If you notice your black cat looking a little orange after an afternoon of laying in the sun, they’re probably “rusting.” Their coat can get a reddish brown tint, and this could also be because their diet is lacking the amino acid known as tyrosine, which is needed to produce melanin.

It seems like most things have a special day of appreciation, and black cats are no exception. If you love all things about the inky cat, then mark your calendar for Aug. 17, which is National Black Cat Appreciation Day (yes, it’s a real thing).

If you look closely at most black cats, you’ll see a shock of gray or bits of orange or brown hairs mixed in their coat. The only truly fully black cat is the Bombay feline, and even their noses and paw pads are black. They were bred in the ‘50s to look like little panthers.

Here’s a bizarre black cat fact: the majority of them are male. It’s a little mysterious as to why this is so, but it seems like all black-fur pigmentation is a trait that’s more common in male cats, though of course there are female black cats as well.