National Black Cat Appreciation Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

On August 17, National Black Cat Appreciation Day, black cats could use a decent publicist. Even though they’re just as endearing as other cats, black cats rarely receive positive press coverage, despite the fact that they’re so sleek and seductive with their all-knowing yellow and green eyes. Let’s examine some facts about this national day that honours our gorgeous, sleek cats, as well as the impetus behind its creation.

The background of National Black Cat Appreciation Day

Have you ever been afraid that a black cat would cross your path? This stems from ancient superstitions in which this was viewed as poor luck. In numerous cultures and historical periods, black cats actually represented good fortune. In an effort to dispel these misconceptions about black cats, National Black Cat Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on August 17.

Popular culture today adores black cats. There’s the sardonic Thackery Binx from “Hocus Pocus” and Salem from “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” as well as the iconic black cat Luna from “Sailor Moon.” Black cats are regarded as devoted companions, as they have been in many cultures throughout history.

Therefore, who is responsible for this negative black panther spin? Superstition, indeed! The damage was done primarily because, during the Middle Ages, people (primarily the Catholic Church) viewed witches as shape-shifting black cats, and because of this, the damage was done. Thereafter, black cats were viewed as malevolent entities for countless years.

However, not everyone shares this perspective. In fact, a large number of individuals welcome black cats. For some, a visit from a black cat is a sign of good fortune, while for others it signifies prosperity or love. In fact, in some cultures black cats are revered. There is essentially no reason to dread them. On this day, we commemorate our furry friends regardless of their coat colour!

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Activities for National Black Cat Appreciation Day

Check out the Nekobiyaka Cat Café.

This Japanese café honours black cats by allowing them to roam freely throughout the establishment. Spend an hour with the cats for $10, and purchase a soda or beer while you’re there. Customers may pet the cats, but they are not permitted to lift them up or hold them. Each cat wears a bandana of a distinct hue, allowing for easy identification.

Acquire a black cat.

Black cats are roughly half as likely to be adopted as other cats, as preposterous as that may sound! This is absurd but accurate. Contact your local animal shelter in order to adopt a black cat or kitten that is destitute or has been mistreated.

Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Black Cat” should be read.

In 1843, the Saturday Evening Post first published Poe’s brief story. It deals with the psychology of remorse and is one of the author’s darkest works.

5 MYTHS CONCERNING BLACK CATS

When exposed to the sun for an extended period of time, the fur of black cats with the Tabby stripe gene can turn a shade of tawny brown.

Sailors and fishermen believed that black cats brought them prosperity. It aided that they also consumed rats!

There are in fact 22 black-coated cat varieties.

In Himeji, Japan, there is a café dedicated solely to black cats, where guests can pet them.

In Ancient Egypt, all felines were revered as sacrosanct and were therefore worshipped. This consists of black animals!

NATIONAL BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	August 17	Thursday
2024	August 17	Saturday
2025	August 17	Sunday
2026	August 17	Monday
2027	August 17	Tuesday