Black, orange, white, grey… whatever the color, we sure do love cats, and there is a lot of love to be given with over 200 million cats worldwide.
However, does color play a role in a cat’s personality? Or, most importantly, is there such a thing as black cat personality or orange cat personality, or is it individual for every cat?
Well, if you’ve spent at least one sleepless night asking yourself this question (as we have), you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’re going to talk about the personality traits of black cats in particular and share some interesting facts about them.
Let’s dive in!
Does Color Affect Cat Personality?
There has been a lot of chatter in recent years concerning this question in particular. Since it has gathered such immense interest, several universities have conducted their own studies. One of these is the study conducted by the University of California Davis which, although it demonstrated that cats with different fur colors reacted differently in certain situations, it did not show any irrefutable evidence that would support the fact that the color of the cat’s fur determines their personality.
However, even if it’s not scientifically proven, it doesn’t mean that we can’t talk about it and gather “evidence” based on cat owners’ experiences with their furry companions.
So, let’s talk about black cats and their personality.
What Are Some of the Best Black Cat Personality Traits?
Although we can’t lump every black cat together, there are certain personality traits that black cat owners often attribute to their furry friend. Let’s take a look at the most common ones:
1. Black cats are loyal
One characteristic that a lot of pet parents have noticed is how loyal black cats are. They are known to be loyal not only to their owners but also to people who are in their closed circle.
2. Black cats are smart
Another characteristic attributed to black cats is how smart they are. If you ask a black cat parent, they will tell you that their black cat is aware and highly responsive to fast-changing situations. When a situation like that arises, black cats are also known to be less aggressive than other cats and handle stressful situations far better.
3. Black cats are highly adaptable
Not only are black cats loyal and smart, but they can also adapt to change. Namely, they are known to easily adapt from a stressful kennel situation to a friendly, homey atmosphere. In that regard, if you adopt a black cat from a kennel, there is a high chance that it will easily get used to you.
4. Black cats are mysterious
According to a study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, black cats have fewer extreme personality traits than other cats. This, in turn, makes them much more mysterious than, let’s say, white or ginger cats.
Now that we’ve listed some of the best black cat personality traits let’s look at some of the most interesting facts about these felines.
6 Facts About Black Cats That You May or May Not Know
1. Black cats were worshiped in ancient Egypt
One of the most popular facts about black cats, or cats in general, is that they were worshiped by the Egyptian people all throughout history. This devotion is even more evident as they were known to worship a cat deity called Bastet, which was portrayed as a woman with a (black) cat’s head.
2. Black cats have their own day
This can’t be said for a lot of animals, which is why it’s such an interesting fact. As it turns out, there is a specific day that people celebrate black cats in particular. The date is August 17th, it’s called Black Cat Appreciation Day, and it’s usually celebrated by encouraging people to adopt black cats.
3. Black cats can change fur color
Yes, you heard us right. Although black cats’ coats can’t change from black to white or ginger, if and when sunbathing, they can change their coat to a slightly rusty hue. However, this doesn’t happen to all black cats, only those who carry the needed genes.
4. Black cats are more resistant to disease
According to Stephen O’Brien’s study, a cat geneticist expert at the US National Cancer Insititute’s Laboratory of Genomic Diversity in Frederick, Maryland, black cats may have some advantage when it comes to infections. Actually, the presence of two different mutations in the same genes gives black cats a sort of immunity when it comes to diseases like FIV.
5. Black cats are considered lucky in some places
Although there are places that regard black cats as bad luck, this is not the case everywhere. In countries such as Scotland, France, and Germany, black cats are considered good luck, not bad.
6. There is a black cat cafe in Japan
Even though there are several cat cafes around the world, Japan prides itself on having the first and only black cat cafe. There are a dozen cats in the cafe, all wearing different colored bandanas, which, if you’re a cat lover, will make your experience that much better.
What Breed Is a Black Cat?
Although different sources online will say differently if we take the word of the official source, The Cat Fanciers’ Association, there are 22 recognized black cat breeds.
Negative Stereotypes of Black Cats
Superstitions have been with us since the dawn of time. Some of these, unfortunately, involve black cats. Here are three of the most popular black cat superstitions:
- If a black cat crosses your path, it means bad luck;
- Black cats are actually the symbol of evil and are witches in disguise;
- Black cats are the omen of death.
However, I wouldn’t believe in old wives’ tales if I were you. Superstitions are just that and should not be taken as truth.
Wrapping Things Up
So, do black cats have different personalities based on their color? Well, no one can say for sure. However, if we’ve learned one thing, we shouldn’t judge them based on that, and if anything, there are so many positive characteristics attributed to them that owning a black cat should be considered a blessing.
FAQs:
Are black cats more affectionate?
There is no definite scientific proof that black cats are more affectionate than other type of cats.
Why are most black cats male?
This is due to the gene that is usually present in male cats. In other words, male black cats require only one copy of this gene, while female cats need two, which in turn results in there being more male than female black cats.
Why are black cats less likely to be adopted?
Although there is still a stigma concerning black cats, we’re happy to announce that in recent years the number of black cats getting adopted has increased. Actually, instances where black gets get adopted over other colors, have increased greatly.
