Black Cat Appreciation Day
Black Cat Appreciation Day is a special annual celebration dedicated to honoring and appreciating black cats. This day aims to dispel myths and negative superstitions surrounding black cats while promoting their adoption from animal shelters.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: August 17 annually
- Tagged as: Animal appreciation, Pet adoption awareness
- What’s the hashtag?: #BlackCatAppreciationDay
- When was it founded?: 2011
- Who founded it?: Wayne H. Morris
History of Black Cat Appreciation Day
Wayne H. Morris created Black Cat Appreciation Day in honor of his late sister, June, who had a beloved black cat named Sinbad. The day was specifically chosen as a memorial to June’s passing. Since its inception, this day has grown in popularity and serves as an important reminder of the value of black cats, helping to combat the unfair stigma they often face due to centuries-old superstitions.
Timeline
- 13th century: Pope Gregory IX issues “Vox in Rama,” associating black cats with Satan
- 1843: Edgar Allan Poe publishes “The Black Cat,” a story featuring a black cat
- 1880s: Black cats become associated with anarchism as a symbol
- 2011: Black Cat Appreciation Day is established by Wayne H. Morris
- 2018: The film “Black Panther” creates a trend of adopting black cats
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 17 | Sunday |
| 2026 | August 17 | Monday |
| 2027 | August 17 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | August 17 | Thursday |
| 2029 | August 17 | Friday |
| 2030 | August 17 | Saturday |
Observed
Black Cat Appreciation Day is observed worldwide but is particularly popular in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Animal shelters, pet adoption agencies, and cat lovers use this day to highlight the beauty and charm of black cats through social media campaigns, adoption events, and educational initiatives.
Fun Facts About Black Cats
- In ancient Egypt, all cats, including black ones, were revered and even worshipped.
- British and Irish sailors believed that having a black cat on board would bring good luck to the ship and ensure a safe return home.
- In Scotland, it’s believed that a black cat appearing at your door brings prosperity.
- There are 22 recognized breeds of black cats according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association.
- Japan has a café called Nekobiyaka in Himeji that is exclusively dedicated to black cats.
- In Japan, single women often own black cats believing they might bring potential suitors.
Quiz
- When is Black Cat Appreciation Day celebrated?
- Who founded Black Cat Appreciation Day?
- What is the main purpose of Black Cat Appreciation Day?
- What color is associated with anarchism since the 1880s?
- In which country is there a café exclusively for black cats?
(Answers: 1. August 17, 2. Wayne H. Morris, 3. To dispel myths about black cats and increase adoption rates, 4. Black, 5. Japan)
FAQs
What is the difference between Black Cat Appreciation Day and National Black Cat Day?
Black Cat Appreciation Day is celebrated on August 17, while National Black Cat Day falls on October 27. Both holidays aim to celebrate black cats, but they were established by different organizations.
Why do black cats need a special appreciation day?
Black cats typically wait longer to be adopted from shelters compared to cats of other colors due to superstitions and myths. This day helps raise awareness and encourages adoption.
How can I celebrate Black Cat Appreciation Day?
You can celebrate by adopting a black cat, volunteering at a local animal shelter, sharing positive facts about black cats on social media, or donating to organizations that help cats in need.
Importance of Black Cat Appreciation Day
Black Cat Appreciation Day serves several crucial purposes. It helps combat centuries-old superstitions that have unfairly stigmatized black cats. By highlighting their charm and unique qualities, the day aims to increase adoption rates from shelters, where black cats often wait longer than cats of other colors to find homes. The day also provides an educational opportunity to share factual information about black cats, replacing myths with knowledge. Ultimately, this celebration reminds us of the beauty in diversity among all cats and encourages compassion toward these often misunderstood animals.
Related
- National Cat Day
- International Cat Day
- World Animal Day
- Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
- National Pet Day
