A black cat can walk into a room and somehow be both striking and easy to miss. It’s perhaps that unique quality that makes these dark-coated felines so captivating. Their dark coats make their silhouettes almost disappear in low light, while their bright eyes can pierce through the shadows.

It’s no wonder that cat lovers have come up with the perfect nickname for them: void cats.

On August 17, we celebrated Black Cat Appreciation Day, a moment to bring awareness about the joy of living with a black cat and dispel myths about them.

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Why Are Black Cats Considered Bad Luck?

The association between black cats and bad luck began during the Middle Ages. At the time, the bubonic plague, or Black Death, devastated the European continent.

Caused by bacteria spread by rats, many cats became infected as their prey spread the disease. Some believed cats could also spread the plague to humans, adding more fuel to the animosity against them. The irony is that the plan backfired. Killing off the cats meant more rats, and the plague spread rapidly.

In the 13th century, Pope Gregory IX issued an official church document called “Vox in Rama.” In the document, he proclaimed that black cats were an incarnation of Satan.

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At one point in history, black cats were associated with witches. This is where the modern belief that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck comes from. People believed the cat might be on a mission from a witch or the devil in disguise.

How Different Cultures Celebrate Black Cats

Not everyone believed black cats were bad luck. British sailors, for example, considered black cats on the board as harbingers of good fortune. They brought cats, believing it would bring good weather and a safe trip.

In Japan, black cats were also considered good luck, especially among single women. The Japanese praise the maneki-neko, or the beckoning cat. Depicted as black, it is a symbol of prosperity and fortune.

In Scotland, people believe that a black cat arriving at your doorstep brings prosperity.

Why the Internet Loves Void Cats

There is something wonderfully ridiculous about watching a black cat curl into a tiny ball on a dark blanket and appear to have vanished into thin air.

That is how black cats earned the nickname “void cat.” They look almost like a little black hole in the room, especially when their body blends into the shadows and only their eyes, nose or whiskers give them away.

The playful nickname has helped black cats earn a much-needed boost in popularity. The nickname has spread across communities on Reddit, TikTok and Instagram.

The visual effect has an explanation, though. Black fur contains high levels of the pigment eumelanin, and black is actually a common feline coat color. Many black cats also have gold, copper or green eyes, creating a striking contrast against their dark coats.

How to Celebrate Black Cat Appreciation Day

Because of the myth that black cats bring bad luck, they remain in shelters longer than other cats. That is exactly why Black Cat Appreciation Day aims to debunk stereotypes about black cats and celebrate our felines.

If you already share your home with a black cat, today is a great day to spread the word about how much you love your void cat. Take a photo for social media in natural light and make sure to get low and let those golden eyes do the work. Share it with the hashtag #BlackCatAppreciationDay. Your photo could inspire other would-be pet parents looking to adopt a cat to consider getting a void cat of their own.