Boost your luck this Friday the 13th with a magical black cat in Birmingham. Adoption info inside!

The black cat. Demonized for centuries and still regarded by many as unlucky—especially on days like Friday the 13th. Here’s a look at some of the superstitions surrounding these lovable fur balls and where you can adopt your own around Birmingham.

Superstitions Surrounding The Black Cat

Here’s a look at some of the silly superstitions – good and bad – that have surrounded black cats for centuries.

Western Culture

• Black cats have been considered a symbol of evil omens.
• Black cats were thought to be familiars of witches, or shape-shifting witches themselves.

Do the Salem witch trials ring a bell?

18th Century Pirates

• If a black cat walks towards someone, it means bad luck.
• If a black cat walks away from someone, it means good luck.
• Black cat walks onto a ship then walks off – the ship is doomed to sink on its next trip.

I agree with the kitty above. “How absurd!”

United Kingdom

• If a black cat walks toward someone, it brings good fortune.
• If a black cat walks away from someone, it takes good fortune with it

See, so silly!

Think it’s just old folklore that no longer exists today? Well actually… even in the 21st century, we continue to associate black cats with magical powers, especially on Halloween. To me, this makes them so much cooler!

Did You Know?

Black cats have some of the lowest adoption rates and highest euthanasia rates in shelters across the United States. The reasons:

• Superstitious beliefs that black cats bring bad luck.
• The perception that black is “boring” compared to other colors.

Another reason is that because black felines are more difficult to photograph than those with lighter fur, people don’t think they look friendly, which causes them to overlook them on adoption websites. 

Sad, I know. But the luxurious black feline is a resilient creature. Not only have black cats survived the superstition attributed to them over thousands of years, but they still show us love and affection. How lucky can we be?! 

Adopt Your Own Black Cat

Now is the perfect time to adopt your own black kitty. I promise it will bring you nothing but sweet purrs and lots of good luck!

Here are just a few of the many shelters and rescues around Birmingham to check out:

Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue

Address: 2113 Marlboro St., Birmingham, AL 35226
Contact; 205.302.8883
Hours: Fri.-Sat. 1-5PM; Sun. 1-3PM

MomaKat Rescue

Address: 2012 Knollwood Pl., Birmingham, AL 35242
Contact: 205.821.5401
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8AM-9PM

Shelby Humane Society

Address: 381 McDow Rd., Columbiana, AL 35051
Contact: 205.669.3916
Hours: Tues.-Fri. Noon-5:30PM; Sat. Noon-4PM; Sun. 1-4PM

Greater Birmingham Humane Society

Address: 300 Snow Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209
Contact: 205.942.1211
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 11AM-5PM; Sun. Noon-5PM

Alabama Animal Adoption Society

Address: 2808 Crescent Ave, Birmingham, AL 35209
Contact: 205.871.6351
Hours: Sat. Noon-4:30PM

Up For Adoption – Right Now!

I went on a black cat search in hopes of helping these sleek felines find their forever homes. Here are just a few of the many up for adoption right now around Birmingham. Get ready for your heart to melt!

Name: Trey
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Gender: Male
Age: 10 weeks
Learn more about Trey.

Name: Fiji
Breed: Domestic Mediumhair
Gender: Male
Age: 10 weeks
Learn more about Fiji.

Name: Pix
Breed: Domestic Shorthair
Gender: Male
Age: 11 weeks
Learn more about Pix.

Name: Carol
Breed: Domestic Shorthair
Gender: Female
Age: 1 year, 9 months
Learn more about Carol.

Name: Figit
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Gender: Male
Age: 2 years
Learn more about Figit.

Name: Lynx
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Gender: Male
Age: 2 years
Learn more about Lynx.

Name: Minnie
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Gender: Female Female
Age: 1 year
Learn more about Minnie. 

Do you have a black cat? Tag us on social @bhamnow. We’d love to see them!