We’re a nation of cat lovers with an estimated 11 million dwelling as pets within the UK*. Nevertheless, generally sure traits imply pets generally is 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 seek out houses 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.
PDSA vets along with PDSA Pet Insurance coverage have debunked among the most typical myths about black cats.
“Good luck, dangerous luck, a witch’s pet… there’s a number 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 fantastic and there’s a great deal of causes they’ll make sensible pets.”
Lynne has debunked among the largest myths surrounding black cats.
- We don’t reside within the center ages.
“It’s thought that the black cats and witches fantasy began someday within the center ages. We’re speaking a thousand years in the past right here. They’ve gotten an entire detrimental status based mostly on fantasy, when actually they’re no completely different to some 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 *would possibly* reside longer.
“In response to researchers on the Nationwide Institute of Well being, 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 sick with sure illnesses.
- Black cats can assist 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 homeowners discover real love! They’re even believed to be the proper wedding ceremony present in some areas of the UK as they’re thought to carry luck and happiness to the bride.
- They have been worshipped.
“In Historical Egypt, all cats have been worshipped – together with black cats. All cats have been seen as sacred. In actual fact, the Egyptian goddess Bastet (who protected the house from evil spirits and illness) is usually portrayed as having the physique of a girl and the top of a black cat. Bastet remains to be worshipped immediately and her safety is believed by some to be forged over fashionable cats.”
PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity offering an important service for pets throughout the UK whose homeowners 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 homeowners to show.
The charity’s insurance coverage arm, PDSA Pet Insurance coverage, gives a variety of insurance policies to cowl cats and canine for accidents and sickness, in addition to offering entry to a 24/7 veterinary helpline. Each coverage offered raises funds for the charity’s life-saving veterinary work.
To seek out out extra go to pdsa.org.uk/pdsa-petinsurance
*In response to the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2023.