placed outside many Japanese businesses like restaurants , dry cleaners , and bars with one paw up , welcoming good fortune .
Ancient Egyptians ’ belief in the supernatural power of black cats date back to 3000 BC , when they were held in the highest esteem because they resembled Bastet , the cat-headed Egyptian goddess of home , fertility , and protection from disease . The goddess Bastet , a black cat from the neck up and woman from the neck down , granted good fortune to those who housed cats . Salima Ikram , an Egyptian archaeologist , described Bastet as goddess of motherhood , beauty and love . Ikram states that “ like all gods and goddesses , Bastet has a calm side ( nice , playful will take care of her kittens ) and a scary side ( she is a lioness , is the goddess of revenge and launches plagues ).” During ancient times in Egypt , the injuring or killing of a cat was considered a capital offense . Priests would breed cats and give cats as offerings . Cats were believed to have magical powers , sometimes powerful enough to bring the deceased back to life .
So how does all this history affect current adoption rates and animal shelter occupancies for black cats ?
According to the ASPCA , there is a myth that black cats are least likely to get adopted in animal shelters , but Dr . Emily Weiss , ASPCA Vice President , thinks differently . “ Black cats are admitted to animal shelters and rescue facilities more than any other color . But they ’ re also adopted more .”
However , ASPCA data show that although more are being adopted , more black cats are entering shelters and rescue facilities than other colors . There are simply more black pets than other colored pets in facilities , causing a higher rate of euthanasia .
To combat the negative perceptions , black cat lovers have created Black Cat Appreciation Day ( August 17 ), National Black Cat Day ( October 27 ), Black Cat Friday ( November ), and even Black Cat Appreciation Month ( October ).
Now , when I see a black cat crossing my path , I resist the notion that this may be my last day on earth , nor do I believe that a witch is squeezing herself inside the cat . Today , when I see a sleek black cat , I think of the Maneki- Neko , the Japanese cat , raise my right hand and beckon good fortune .
THE HOLIDAYS ARE FAST APPROACHING ! Book your sits before we fill up !
Bonded & Insured
Crescent City Cat Sitters
In-home pet sitting , just for cats ! www . CrescentCityCatSitters . com
@ CrescentCityCatSitters