10 fascinating facts about black cats🙀
Did you know black cats bring love and luck wherever they go?
Or that many have golden eyes? Learn more facts about black cats here!
Black cats have, perhaps, experienced the greatest intensity of both
human fear and admiration. Ask people what they think of black cats, and
you’ll get various answers.
They are mischievous and clever. They are bad luck and devious. They are
sweet and lovable, and make the best furkids.
One thing is for sure - these dark-coated felines are certainly
misunderstood.
10 facts about black cats
-
1.Black is the most dominant fur color.
While the gene for a tabby coat is the most dominant pattern in feline DNA, the black color gene is the most dominant when it comes to the color of coat.
This means that if two cats who have the gene for a black coat produce offspring, those genes override the tabby pattern gene to produce a solid black coat. -
2. Black cats tend to be male.
While they can definitely be either male or female, due to some genetic mystery, there are more male black cats than females. -
3. Black cats can change color.
Exposure to sunlight can lighten hair color on humans and animals. Black cats with a Tabby gene that spend time in the sun can develop rust-colored coats.
UV light destroys melanin, and sun-loving black cats can see their coats fade to lighter shades. -
4. Black cats can resist disease.
In a study by the National Institutes of Health, researchers discovered that the genetic mutation responsible for cats’ black fur is in the same family as a human gene involved in resistance to HIV.
Scientists believe that the evolution of melanism (having black fur) in so many different species of cats indicates that there is a benefit to black fur in terms of survival, and that this benefit may be an increased resistance to disease. -
5.Golden eyes.
Black cats produce a lot of melanin, which is the pigment that makes their coats dark. This pigment also contributes to giving some cats beautiful amber-colored eyes. -
6. Black cats are more likely to be adopted.
Although a myth surrounding black cat adoptions has convinced some that black cats are less likely to be adopted, the opposite is true.
According to the ASPCA, since black is a dominant gene in cats, a high percentage of black cats are adopted every year.
However, this also means that several black cats are also euthanized every year in shelters. -
7. There are many breeds of black cat.
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), there are 22 breeds of cat that can have all black fur. But only one – the Bombay – comes exclusively with a black coat.
Bombays are all black everywhere, with solid black fur as well as black paw pads, noses, and whiskers. The Bombay cat was first bred by Nikki Horner in the late 1950s. -
8. They might make you rich.
In many Asian countries, such as China and Japan, black cats are not only considered good luck, but may also attract wealth.
That's why you'll see many black Maneki Nekos, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune, in Chinese or Japanese restaurants and grocery stores. That's double the luck. -
9. Black cats are friends of sailors.
Black cats developed a bad reputation with land-based residents, but they fared much better on the high seas.
Perhaps black cats were considered lucky to sailors because their coats made them more suited to hunt nocturnal pests on marine vessels. -
10.Black cats have their own day.
Just days before Halloween, National Black Cat Day is a time to show your love for the cat kingdom’s most misunderstood member.
Shower your dark-coated bestie with love and affection to remind them just how special they are.