We’re a nation of cat lovers with an estimated 11 million dwelling as pets within the UK*. Nonetheless, generally sure traits imply pets is usually a little neglected and sadly, black cats are one in every of them.
Not solely do rehoming charities typically have black cats ready longer to search out properties than different cats, however in a world dominated by social media, black cats are additionally typically stated to be ‘much less photogenic’ than different extra ‘vibrant’ cats.
For Nationwide Black Cat Day this August, PDSA vets along with PDSA Pet Insurance coverage have debunked among the most typical myths about black cats.
“Good luck, unhealthy luck, a witch’s pet… there’s loads of myths round our mysterious feline pals and we’ll admit that not all of them are nice,” explains PDSA Vet Lynne James.
“We, nevertheless, assume black cats are great and there’s a great deal of causes they’ll make sensible pets.”
Lynne has debunked among the greatest myths surrounding black cats.
- We don’t stay 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 an entire adverse popularity primarily based on delusion, when actually they’re no completely 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* stay longer.
“In keeping with researchers on the Nationwide Institute of Well being, the gene that causes their fur to be black may additionally shield them in opposition to sure illnesses. So your black cat could also be scientifically much less more likely to fall ailing with sure illnesses.
- Black cats may help your love life.
“Consider it or not, in some components of the world black cats are thought of ‘matchmakers’ and are thought to assist their house owners discover real love! They’re even believed to be the proper marriage ceremony present in some areas of the UK as they’re thought to carry luck and happiness to the bride.
- They had been worshipped.
“In Historic Egypt, all cats had been worshipped – together with black cats. All cats had been seen as sacred. In actual fact, the Egyptian goddess Bastet (who protected the house from evil spirits and illness) is commonly portrayed as having the physique of a lady and the top of a black cat. Bastet continues to be worshipped right this moment and her safety is believed by some to be solid over fashionable cats.”
PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity offering an important service for pets throughout the UK whose house owners wrestle to afford remedy prices for his or her sick and injured pets. For a lot of weak pets, PDSA is there to assist when there’s nowhere else for his or her house owners to show.
The charity’s insurance coverage arm, PDSA Pet Insurance coverage, presents a variety of insurance policies to cowl cats and canines for accidents and sickness, in addition to offering entry to a 24/7 veterinary helpline. Each coverage bought raises funds for the charity’s life-saving veterinary work.
To seek out out extra go to www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-insurance-pdsa
*In keeping with the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2023.
