Black cats are probably one of the most controversial cats in the US. With a very complicated history, these feline friends are typically misunderstood. Our goal is to dispel the stigma around these lovely cats, so in this article, we will be answering the question: Why are black cats so sweet?
Do you love cats? Continue reading to learn more about what makes black cats unique, negative myths about them, and which cat breeds are the meanest. We hope you enjoy learning about these adorable feline friends, and hopefully, lovingly accept one into your home.
Why Are Black Cats So Sweet?
Black cats are adaptable to any environment they are placed in, and with proper time and care are known to be far more affectionate and sweet than other cats because they are more perceptive of their owner’s emotions.
Black cats have a lifespan of 13-17 years if they are inside pets, and should not exceed 10 pounds. To ensure they can live as long as they can in a healthy and happy state, it is extremely important to provide them with proper veterinary care and routine vaccinations.
The inherited gene that causes black-colored coats is also speculated to also protect them from illnesses, so they are less likely than their lighter-colored counterparts. Interestingly, there are a wide variety of cat breeds that are black, 22 to be exact!
Maine Coons are one of these breeds, and just so happens to be the largest domesticated cat. They can grow to be anywhere from 8-18 pounds, and is the oldest breed that has originated in the United States.
There is only one breed of cat that is truly all black and that’s the Bombay. They’re also part of the 22 black cat breeds and are often compared to the Black Panther because of its sleek, smooth, and inky black coat. This cat is unfortunately prone to genetic diseases such as Craniofacial defects and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
What Makes Black Cats Unique?
In many different countries across the globe, black cats are regarded as a symbol of good luck. For example, in Japan, if a single woman has a black cat as a pet, they are viewed as a symbol of good luck in her prosperity for marriage.
In some places in Europe, receiving a black cat as a wedding gift is thought to bring good luck to the new bride, and in some parts of the world, black cats are kept to ward away any negative spirits.
Their personality traits also make them unique! They are known to have outgoing and affectionate personalities and are more likely to get along with housemates than most breeds of cats.
Black cats can enjoy meeting new people, being sociable, and being calm. They commonly have very reflective yellow-colored eyes that are easily visible in the dark which only adds to their mysterious aura.
Black cats were also worshiped as gods in Ancient Egypt because they were seen to represent the goddess Bastet. In some cultures, black cats are seen as a sign of future prosperity.
Spiritually, black cats represent the presence of healing energies in the people they come across. In French culture, spotting a black cat crossing your path signifies that something magical is about to happen.
Negative Myths About Black Cats
During the witch trials in America, black cats were commonly (and wrongly) perceived as evil and bad omens that helped witches with their spells. Today, this is one of the only places where black cats are viewed as bad omens.
Most of the stigma surrounding black cats is rooted in the complicated religious fear of the dark, demons, and death. Funnily enough, black cats were also thought to be witches who could change forms.
Of course, as we know today this is a completely untrue stigma. Unfortunately, black cats have a history that comes with a stigma that has resulted in being wrongly judged in many animal shelters and rescues across the United States.
In Italy, it is believed that if a black cat jumps onto a bed housing someone who is sick, that person will quickly succumb to their affliction.
The saying that all black cats are less likely to be adopted when compared with others is a commonly believed myth, due to the fact that black cats are actually adopted more frequently in shelters, but they are often still stigmatized by potential owners.
Which Cats Are the Meanest?
Cats have a reputation for being picky, easily annoyed, and generally self-reliable, but some cat breeds are known to be meaner than others.
Bengals are very often described as a meaner feline breed, originating in the United States, this cat has been described to have a very high maintenance personality, and without patience and socialization, they can become aggressive toward their owners.
Just because a cat breed is regarded as mean doesn’t mean they would make terrible house pets. Just like any other pet, cats need to be socialized from a young age to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors as they age.
Training your cat to perform different tasks and tricks can also help to avoid any development of bad behaviors or aggression in ‘mean’ felines as they age and mature. The Egyptian Mau is a relatively rare breed known for its occasional mean streak and similar coat pattern to the Bengal.
This breed does have the possibility of being a good family cat but, as stated previously, they require dedicated socialization throughout the entirety of their lives to avoid aggressive behaviors. They are commonly described as highly intelligent with stately personalities.
Conclusion
In this article, we learned all about black cats and the myths/stigmas they are associated with, why black cats are so cute, and a few different breeds that are known to be generally more mean than black cats.
These cats are truly amazing and widely available for ownership in countless shelters, rescues, and breeders.
We hope we were able to dispel any negative connotations you associated with black cats, and maybe even convince you to consider accepting one of these loving felines into your family and home.
