In the world there is a huge number of diverse breeds of cats, but for some reason it's black cats that have "bad" fame. Let's try to figure out why this is so.
What do you think about when you see a black cat? About Halloween? About witches? Think about your death or possible failures? Or about your chance to meet a guy? When it comes to black cats, then all superstitions and myths disappear, because in fact, they are the sweetest creatures on the planet. And now we will tell all the most interesting about these representatives of felines.
1. In general, there are 22 breeds of cats in the world with absolutely black color. Most people who say "black cat" imagine a Bombay cat.
2. Bombay cats were artificially withdrawn with only one purpose - to get a breed similar to a panther. The initiator of this venture was the breeder from Kentucky Nikki Horner. Bombay cats are very playful and friendly.
3. Have you ever wondered why in some cultures of the world black cats have a bad reputation?
Some scholars claim that this superstition goes back to ancient Greece. The goddess of the earth - Hera, wished to prevent the birth of Heracles (the illegitimate son of her husband - Zeus and Princess Alcmene). The servant of Alkmena interfered with the plans of the goddess, and that for this turned him into a black cat, and sent to serve the god of death and witchcraft. Since then, any black cat, according to legend, can serve the god of death.
4. In the Middle Ages, all cats were considered evil spirits and caused associations with the devil and witches.
The fact is that women who were unfairly accused of witchcraft, liked to look after street cats. Therefore, society believed that they used cats to conduct their magical rites.
5. In the Middle Ages, it was also believed that witches turned into cats.
According to legend, one day a man and his son threw a stone into a black cat that ran across the road, and she hid in the house of the alleged "witch". The next day, when they stumbled upon her, she limped. They thought that the woman was the cat into which they threw a stone.
6. In 1233, Pope Gregory XI issued a decree stating that all black cats are the embodiment of the devil.
Since cats hunt at night and many magical rites are performed, also, in the dark, the cats are also attached to the Gentiles, against whom the church fiercely fought.
7. In particular, in Finland there was a belief that black cats are able to carry the souls of the dead into a different life.
And in Germany believed that if a black cat climbs onto the bed to the sick, then he will soon die.
8. Despite the fact that in most cases, black cats personify evil, in some states their appearance is a good sign, indicating a speedy success.
So, in Asia and in some countries of Europe cats are harbingers of financial well-being and a good harvest.
9. They say that a black cat helps find a groom and bless a marriage.
In some cultures, the bride is given a black cat as a token of luck and a happy family life. It is also believed that a cat of dark color will bring newlyweds happiness and a long life together.
10. The National Institute of Health conducted studies according to which a genetic mutation that gives a cat a completely black color protects it from many diseases.
11. Black cats have the ability to change color. They, for example, can become red.
Because of the long stay under the ultraviolet, the gene responsible for the strips disrupts the work of the pigments of the wool, reducing the amount of tyrosine in the body, resulting in a color change.
12. Mariners consider cats their good friends. Cats not only perfectly catch mice on the ship, but also are a symbol of a safe return home.
13. Some black cats have absolutely yellow eyes. The reason is an overabundance of melanin. But not all black cats have such a feature.
14. Over time, people begin to turn gray, the color of the hair turns white. So in cats. Only at them with the beginnings the wool begins to grow white.
15. The richest cat, who got into the Guinness Book of Records, owns 13 million dollars. She inherited from her wealthy hostess after her death.
16. There are more black cats than cats. According to beliefs, males bring more luck, and black color is manifested mainly in males. Perhaps that's why in some places cats are more appreciated.
17. In order for a black cat to appear, her parents must also have a black coat color.
Remember paragraph 11 about the change in color. The presence of strips indicates the predominance of wool with a fur pattern, so that a black kitten is born, his gene must be dominated by a gene responsible for black fur.