Have you ever heard the phrase “if a black cat crosses your path, that’s bad luck”? This saying has remained quite common over numerous centuries, causing people across the world to fear felines with darker coats. The superstition dates back to the Middle Ages, when cats were linked to witches and Satanic activity, and even believed these cuddly creatures were incarnations of the devil himself. As if it couldn’t get any worse, the belief was reinforced during the Salem Witch Trials, when owning black cats was used as evidence of witchcraft. Even now, misinformation still exists, as well as other factors (including photogenic concerns because of the cats’ dark color, making them harder to capture on camera). There are even unfounded misconceptions that black cats are more aggressive than other cats, which simply isn’t true. Believe it or not, these stories and superstitions have caused black cats to face lower adoption rates and higher euthanasia risk in shelters, even though they are no less friendly or healthy than other cats. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that black cats are unlucky or that they bring misfortune, yet even in the twenty-first century, they’re subjected to mistreatment because of myths.
Though these amazing felines have been haunted by history, there are also positives: in a few cultures, black cats are actually, ironically, seen as a sign of good fortune: in Japan, they are considered a symbol of good luck for single women; in Britain, sailors believed having a black cat onboard a ship brought stable seas—and, as time goes on, the popular negative opinion is also beginning to diminish due to one short film.
On August 29th, 2024, a Latvian animated movie about a little black cat facing a great flood broke several box office records, becoming the most-viewed film in Latvia’s theaters in history. The movie was titled Flow, and was a wordless animation about a charming black cat whose solitary life was upended by a massive flood in a post-human world. With its adorable design and nuanced perspective on felines’ lives, Flow has increased black cat adoptions by positively changing public perception, transforming them from animals associated with bad luck into symbols of bravery and resilience. The film’s popular little protagonist caused people to see black cats in a new light, leading shelters to report would-be owners specifically requesting to adopt felines of that coat color. By centering such a creature as the hero, Flow gave these animals a wonderful new image, bringing their beauty and charm into the limelight rather than any harmful superstitions. The film performed so well that it won an Oscar for “Best Animated Feature Film” at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025, and was nominated for “Best International Feature Film,” making it the first movie from Latvia to receive such recognition.
So, the next time you’re thinking about adopting a new pet, consider adopting a black cat. They are just like any other feline and have so much love to give, so try and give these precious animals a chance and continue the positive change.
