We’re a nation of cat lovers with an estimated 11 million dwelling as pets within the UK*. However, generally sure traits imply pets could be a little neglected and sadly, black cats are one in all them.
Not solely do rehoming charities typically have black cats ready longer to search out houses than different cats, however in a world dominated by social media, black cats are additionally typically mentioned to be ‘much less photogenic’ than different extra ‘vibrant’ cats.
For National Black Cat Day this August, PDSA vets along with PDSA Pet Insurance have debunked a few of the most typical myths about black cats.
“Good luck, unhealthy luck, a witch’s pet… there’s plenty of myths round our mysterious feline buddies and we’ll admit that not all of them are nice,” explains PDSA Vet Lynne James.
“We, nonetheless, assume black cats are great and there’s a great deal of causes they will make sensible pets.”
Lynne has debunked a few of the largest myths surrounding black cats.
- We don’t reside within the center ages.
“It’s thought that the black cats and witches delusion began someday within the center ages. We’re speaking a thousand years in the past right here. They’ve gotten a complete detrimental status based mostly on delusion, when actually they’re no totally different to every other cat.
- Black cats are literally good luck!
“Sailors used to take black cats aboard ships not solely to catch mice but in addition as a result of they believed they introduced them good luck. In Scotland, a black cat turning up at your door is an indication of prosperity!
- They *may* reside longer.
“According to researchers on the National Institute of Health, the gene that causes their fur to be black might additionally shield them towards sure illnesses. So your black cat could also be scientifically much less more likely to fall in poor health with sure illnesses.
- Black cats might help your love life.
“Believe it or not, in some elements of the world black cats are thought of ‘matchmakers’ and are thought to assist their homeowners discover real love! They’re even believed to be the right wedding ceremony present in some areas of the UK as they’re thought to convey luck and happiness to the bride.
- They have been worshipped.
“In Ancient Egypt, all cats have been worshipped – together with black cats. All cats have been seen as sacred. In reality, the Egyptian goddess Bastet (who protected the house from evil spirits and illness) is commonly portrayed as having the physique of a girl and the top of a black cat. Bastet continues to be worshipped as we speak and her safety is believed by some to be solid over trendy cats.”
PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity offering a significant service for pets throughout the UK whose homeowners battle to afford remedy prices for his or her sick and injured pets. For many susceptible pets, PDSA is there to assist when there’s nowhere else for his or her homeowners to show.
The charity’s insurance coverage arm, PDSA Pet Insurance, gives a spread of insurance policies to cowl cats and canines for accidents and sickness, in addition to offering entry to a 24/7 veterinary helpline. Every coverage offered raises funds for the charity’s life-saving veterinary work.
To discover out extra go to www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-insurance-pdsa
*According to the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2023.