Black Cats and Halloween: From Superstition to Symbol
- Lyle Perez
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
When most people picture Halloween, a few images instantly come to mind jack-o’-lanterns glowing in the dark, witches flying across the moon, skeletons rattling in the shadows, and a black cat with glowing eyes crossing your path. Black cats have become one of the most recognizable icons of the season, but have you ever wondered why? Their story weaves through ancient cultures, medieval Europe, and centuries of superstition before finally finding its permanent place in our Halloween traditions. So what's the deal with black cats and Halloween?
It might surprise you to learn that black cats weren’t always linked to bad luck. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and even worshipped. The goddess Bastet, often depicted as a lioness or a domestic cat, represented protection, fertility, and motherhood. Killing a cat in Egypt was considered a serious crime. This respect for cats spread throughout the ancient world, and they were often viewed as mysterious guardians, creatures with one paw in our world and another in the supernatural.
Things began to change in Europe during the Middle Ages. As fear of witchcraft spread, suspicion grew toward anything that seemed connected to the supernatural. Cats, with their silent movements, glowing eyes, and nocturnal habits, became easy targets. Black cats in particular, with their dark coats that blended into the night, were accused of being witches’ companions, known as “familiars.” Some even believed witches could transform themselves into black cats to slip away unnoticed. By the 16th and 17th centuries, during the height of the witch trials, simply owning a black cat could put you under suspicion of practicing witchcraft.
This belief carried into folklore for generations. The idea that crossing paths with a black cat could bring misfortune became a superstition that still lingers today. Their association with witches, magic, and nighttime made them the perfect fit for Halloween imagery as the holiday developed in America. As Irish and Scottish immigrants brought their Samhain traditions to the New World, black cats found their way into the mix of jack-o’-lanterns, ghosts, and other spooky symbols.
But not all cultures viewed black cats negatively. In parts of the United Kingdom, especially Scotland, a black cat appearing at your doorstep was seen as a sign of prosperity. In Japan, black cats were believed to bring good fortune to single women by attracting suitors. Sailors often brought cats aboard ships, with black cats considered the luckiest of all they were thought to protect against storms and bring safe travels. Even today, some cultures continue to see black cats as positive omens rather than creatures of bad luck.
In modern times, black cats have become a symbol of both superstition and protection. On one hand, they’re still tied to Halloween decorations, haunted houses, and spooky stories. On the other hand, they’ve also become a reminder of how myths can affect real life. Sadly, black cats are sometimes less likely to be adopted from shelters because of lingering superstitions, a problem that animal groups have worked hard to change by celebrating them as loyal, loving pets.
So why do black cats remain so iconic at Halloween? The answer is simple they represent mystery. With their glowing eyes, stealthy movements, and history of superstition, they capture the spirit of the season. Halloween has always been about blurring the line between the natural and supernatural, and black cats fit that role perfectly. Whether you see them as magical companions, protectors, or just misunderstood animals, their image has become permanently tied to the holiday.
That’s just a glimpse into the history of black cats and their role in folklore. On the latest episode of The Halloween Podcast, I explore their story in more depth, from ancient Egypt to witch trials to their place in today’s Halloween traditions. If you’ve ever wondered why these beautiful animals became a symbol of Halloween, you won’t want to miss it.