Written by It’s apparently Cat Day today and time to celebrate the furry feline in your life or if you’re currently catless to go out and adopt one immediately. Since Halloween is fast approaching, I decided on an iconic black cat. This particular shade of kitty is often considered an omen in folklore, thought to bring bad luck, good luck and sometimes a mixture of the two. Some have said that it can morph into a human shape to be a spy or courier for witches. Pilgrims arriving in America for the first time were deeply suspicious of black cats, and well, just about everything really. But that’s why you’ll see them accompanying images of witches during Halloween here in the States. In Asia and the UK, however, black kitties are considered to bring good fortune. Unless you live in Yorkshire, then owning one is lucky, but having a strange black cat cross your path is still a major bummer.
When I was kid, I had heard the superstition the bad luck that comes by having a black cat cross your path, but didn’t really think much of it. Until, of course, it was Halloween night and we were going door to door in the ritual begging for treats. Then all the various superstitions came flooding back and for just one night, seemed like they might come true. When I was old enough to go door to door on my own, a group of friends and I came across a black cat. It was just sitting there and we froze immediately. Next, we slowly moved around it, all in a line, stepping slowly like we were walking on glass. Thankfully, it never moved to cross our path, but looking back it was probably just terrified of our bizarrely stupid behavior.
To this day, though, when I see a black cat cross the road, I still think back to that time. It’s funny how superstitions can take hold in a culture even if they aren’t actually believed anymore. It’s been years since I’ve heard anyone say, “step on a crack and break your mother’s back” but if I’m looking down to notice, I still find myself avoiding them. I’ll still walk around a ladder rather than walking under one, and don’t really attribute it to bad luck avoidance at all. It’s just a formed habit. I’ve never owned a cat of any color, but I think the black ones with their glossy fur are quite beautiful. In the end, I’ll always prefer dogs, so I’ll continue to enjoy black cats from afar. And sometimes, if the moon is full, walk gingerly around one. Just in case.
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Indian Yellow, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Deep. and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon with black ink in a little red cloth hardbound l’aquarelle journal I found in a Paris shop. |
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I’m not much of a cat fan (allergic to some) but when I was a kid, I made a black cat costume out of tights, leotards, and old black stockings stuffed with cotton for a tail. It was so much fun to traipse door to door, filing my bag with loot. Funny thing is I don’t remember ever coming across anyone who had a cat as a pet until I was well into teenage years. Not sure if I didn’t pay attention, or the people I knew then didn’t keep cats as pets. Of course, I don’t believe people keep cats as pets – I think the cats keep people.
Your cat does look formidable – I bet it can take care of itself, daytime or nighttime and all hours in between.
hehe… thanks, Sharon!😃💕 I’m actually allergic to cats a well so I’ve never owned one. But your costume sounds fetching! hehe… And actually, yeah, everyone I was around had dogs so that’s probably why I grew up a dog person. Cats are still a mystery to me. The only ones I really liked are the ones that act more like dogs! Lol
I’d say black cats are more your good luck charm. Nothing that sweet could bring bad luck.
hehe… yeah… I think in the end they could only be good luck too! 😉
That is one scary looking cat. Hope he doesn’t cross my path. Superstitions are funny and they do get a hold of people. Researching how they started is very interesting.
hehe… yeah… I wanted him to be a bit Halloween, but he turned out a little frightening! Lol If you crossed this cat, I can see why the superstitions started! Lol 😳
Awesome cat, Charlie!! 🐱 My cat, Jack is black with a few white hairs here and there… He is the most loving cat! 💕😻 I worry about him on Halloween though so he has to stay in after dark. 🎃
Thanks so much, Jill! 😃💕 awww… Jack sounds amazing! But yeah… you can never be too careful on Halloween! hehe
I can’t believe I didn’t know it was CAT day, I think black cats are good luck, well mine is 😀….your cat is definitely a Halloween cat, right on trend, and ready for some trick or treating.
Thanks, Rebecca! 😃💕 yeah… this cat is a little scarier for Halloween. hehe But I’m sure that yours is definitely good luck!!
Beautiful painting, the touches of burnt sienna are very nice. Love cats, they make great subjects for watercolors, and black cats, have a special place in my heart and home. (My cat is giving me ‘the look’ while I type this so I have to make it good. LoL)
Thanks so much, Haunani! 😃💕 Cats are super hard to paint for me, so I’ve been trying them a bit more this month. hehe… glad you liked this. It came out a bit more Halloween than I expected!
Black cats are gorgeous creatures, Charlie, and all you have to do to counteract the bad luck is stroke them nine times… if they let you, that is! They always have the upper hand – paw. I like your fluffy version of one ☺
hehe…. thanks so much, Tom! 😃 yeah… black cats get a bit of bad rap depending on where you live. But I think they’re beautiful!
pretty , well….evil looking….I had three at one time and this one might have fit in for a quartet….singing That Old Black Magic has me in its’ spell…etc.
Lol… yeah… this one came out a bit evil looking, but pretty fit for Halloween at least! Three of them? Wow! I’ve only ever had one dog at a time. hehe 😃
Charlie, your youthful adventures never fail to bring a smile to my face. I’ll probably never see a black cat again without thinking of trick-or-treaters inching their way around one.
hehe… I’m so happy you enjoyed this one, Sandra! 😃💕 I hope I have many more youthful adventures ahead!