Black cat woes a familiar tale for maligned moggies

Much-maligned black cats have been given a bad rap over the centuries – but their reputation as diabolical witches’ familiars is deeply unfair, a new myth-busting analysis has said. With Hallowe’en looming tonight, there will be no shortage of spooky imagery featuring pictures of crones and their black feline companions.But rescue charity The Scratching Post is looking to explode the historical (and possibly hysterical) myths which undermine their unfair depiction.It is perhaps unsurprising that black cats are the most likely to be abandoned and left in rescue homes for months, given they have been a symbol of bad luck and witchcraft for centuries.The charity has teamed up with pet DNA test specialists Wisdom Panel in a bid to debunk the multiple fallacies which have sprung up over the years.JUST IN: Insider’s knowledge wins hearts at No 10 Black cats are unfairly maligned, says the Scratching Post (Image: Scratching Post)Myth 1: Black cats are witches in disguiseDebunked: 22+ breeds can carry the black coat, even the friendliest of cats. The good-natured, adaptable, and easy-going Main Coon can look black until under direct sunlight – then the majestic stripes, often on the legs and tails, can be seen. These are sometimes known as ‘Ghost Tabbies’Myth 2: Black cats are evilDebunked: The Bombay cat is only found as solid black, yet they’re very fun-loving, sociable, and exceptional with kids – the ideal addition for most familiesMyth 3: Black cats bring bad luckDebunked: They actually attract better luck than other coat colours, as their darkness allows them to camouflage into their surroundings and fight off intrudersMyth 4: Black cats are associated with diseasesDebunked: Higher levels of melanin in black cats has shown to positively affect immunity, helping them to fight off common diseases and illnesses more efficiently than any other coloured catDON’T MISSZelensky praises ‘heroes’ fighting Russia’s ‘army of the dead’ [REVEAL]Cleverly slaps down Putin as Russian leader gives rambling speech [INSIGHT]Russian Army on collision course with Wagner over Shoigu removal call [ANALYSIS] Black cats are actually extremely friend, says Scratching Post founder Susan Delaney (Image: GETTY)Susan Delaney, Founder of The Scratching Post Cat Rescue Charity, said:’Black cats have always struggled with adoption. They are consistently overlooked, especially as adults due to their darker coats, helping to feed into the rate they are abandoned.’Thirty percent of the cats at our shelter are black cats, with kittens always being left out when groups are rehomed.’Once they mature, they have a less chance of finding a home.’She added: ‘It’s truly unfortunate as from all the colours of cat, the black cat seems to be the most easy-going, loving and amenable.’Once outdated narratives subside, people will undoubtably appreciate these wonderful cats for what they are.’