National Black Cat Appreciation Day is observed on August 17 each year. The day was created to honor black cats, celebrate their unique beauty, and challenge the superstitions and misconceptions that have long made them one of the most overlooked animals in shelters across the United States and beyond. It is a day to appreciate these sleek, striking companions and to encourage more people to consider adopting a black cat.

What is National Black Cat Appreciation Day?

National Black Cat Appreciation Day is a US-based observance that shines a light on black cats and the unfair disadvantages they face compared to cats of other colors. The day aims to dispel myths, promote adoption, and celebrate black cats as loving, loyal companions who deserve just as much affection as any other pet.

When is National Black Cat Appreciation Day?

National Black Cat Appreciation Day is observed every year on August 17. The date provides animal shelters, rescue organizations, and cat lovers with an opportunity to promote black cat adoption during a time when animal welfare organizations often report lower adoption rates for black cats.

Why National Black Cat Appreciation Day Matters

Black cats have been associated with superstition for centuries. In many Western cultures, a black cat crossing your path is considered bad luck, and these ancient beliefs continue to affect adoption rates in shelters today. Studies from animal rescue organizations in the United States suggest that black cats take significantly longer to be rehomed than cats of other colors, with some research indicating black cats spend an average of 26 days in shelters compared to around 20 days for other cats.

This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as “black cat syndrome.” Animal welfare groups have worked hard to combat this bias, and National Black Cat Appreciation Day provides a powerful platform to challenge these outdated perceptions. In reality, black cats are no different in personality or temperament to any other cat. Many owners describe their black cats as particularly affectionate and sociable companions.

Beyond superstition, black cats also face practical challenges. In low-light conditions, they can be harder to photograph attractively, which matters in the age of social media and online shelter listings where a cat’s photograph is often the first impression a potential adopter has.

How to Get Involved

• Adopt a black cat: Visit your local animal shelter or rescue organization and consider giving a black cat a forever home.
• Share on social media: Post photographs of your black cat or share information about the day using the hashtags #BlackCatAppreciationDay and #NationalBlackCatAppreciationDay.
• Donate to a rescue: Support a local cat rescue or animal shelter that works to rehome black cats.
• Educate others: Talk to friends and family about the myths surrounding black cats and the reality of their wonderful nature.
• Foster a cat: If you are not ready to adopt permanently, fostering a black cat from a shelter provides valuable support to animal rescue organizations.

History of National Black Cat Appreciation Day

National Black Cat Appreciation Day was created in 2011 by Wayne H. Morris. Morris was motivated by a personal loss: his sister and her beloved black cat, Sinbad, both passed away that year. In their memory, Morris established the day to champion the cause of black cats and to raise awareness about the challenges they face in finding loving homes.

Since 2011, the observance has grown considerably. Animal shelters across the US now use the day to promote adoption events, and the day receives significant attention on social media each year. Animal welfare organizations such as FOUR PAWS have also lent their support to the cause, helping to spread the message that black cats deserve just as much love and care as any other animal.

Noteworthy Facts

• In Japanese and British folklore, black cats are actually considered to bring good luck, not bad.
• Ancient Egyptians revered all cats, including black ones, and associated them with the goddess Bastet.
• Black is the most common coat color in domestic cats, produced by a high concentration of melanin.
• Some researchers have suggested that the same gene responsible for a black coat may also provide some immunity to certain diseases.
• The Scottish tradition holds that a black cat arriving at your home is a sign of prosperity.

Related Awareness Days

If you love cats and animal welfare, you may also enjoy Black Cat Awareness Month in October and International Rescue Cat Day.

Ideas for National Black Cat Appreciation Day

• Post a well lit photo of your black cat (natural light near a window works best) with their adoption story.
• Share a shelter listing for an adoptable black cat near you and tag the rescue.
• Bust a superstition: post one myth about black cats and the truth beside it.
• Donate the cost of a bag of cat food to a local rescue and encourage followers to match it.
• Shelters and vets: waive or reduce black cat adoption fees for the week of August 17.
• Brands: run a black cat photo contest or a percentage of sales donation to a cat rescue.

Hashtags

#BlackCatAppreciationDay #NationalBlackCatAppreciationDay #BlackCatSyndrome #AdoptDontShop #BlackCatsRule #CatLovers