For centuries, black cats have been linked to witchcraft, mysterious powers, and bad luck. While most people today recognize these beliefs as nothing more than superstition, some of the old prejudices haven't completely disappeared. According to animal welfare charity Battersea, black cats can still be overlooked by potential adopters, partly because of these outdated beliefs and the perception that their dark coats make them less photogenic.
Interestingly, a 2024 study also found that unconscious negative associations with black cats were stronger among its participants closer to Halloween, although the researchers cautioned that their sample was small. Of course, anyone who's spent time around a black cat knows that there's nothing particularly sinister about them. They're just as playful, affectionate, curious, and occasionally ridiculous as their more colorful feline counterparts. And with their shiny dark coats, bright eyes, and tendency to get into trouble, they can be especially entertaining to photograph.
