Owning a Black Cat Means You Are a Witch

The feared feline familiar of historical witchcraft accusations.

Details

According to European witch-hunting beliefs from the 16th to 18th centuries, ownership of a black cat was often viewed as incriminating evidence of witchcraft. The black cat was believed to be a “familiar”—a supernatural creature or demon that served and empowered the witch. These animals were thought to perform magical services such as carrying messages to demonic forces, causing illness or misfortune, and siphoning magical energy for their owner’s use. Claims frequently included descriptions of cats drinking blood, whispering secrets, or displaying human-like intelligence. The association became particularly intense in cases where a cat was present during local misfortunes, appeared mysteriously, or avoided sacred objects. The nocturnal habits, independence, and aloofness of cats—especially black ones—contributed to their symbolic role as creatures of the occult.

Historical Context

This belief system flourished in the midst of widespread religious anxiety, patriarchal authority, and ignorance of natural phenomena:

During early modern European witch trials, testimony about animal familiars—especially black cats—was common and often accepted as credible.
Church doctrine in the medieval period had already linked cats, particularly black ones, to heresy and devil worship.
The color black was widely associated with secrecy, death, and evil, intensifying the fear surrounding black animals.
In a society where women were often accused of witchcraft, cats’ association with domestic spaces and female companionship made them additional targets for suspicion.
Familiars were also thought to provide witches with magical assistance in exchange for care, often through a sinister pact.

Modern Relevance

Although literal belief in witches and familiars has declined, remnants of this superstition persist. In some cultures, black cats are still considered unlucky or sinister, contributing to lower adoption rates and mistreatment. On the other hand, modern neopagan traditions such as Wicca have reclaimed the black cat as a symbol of protection and magical companionship. Black cats remain iconic in Halloween imagery and folklore, where their historical connection to witchcraft continues to shape their representation. This superstition exemplifies how natural animal behavior and appearance were historically misinterpreted, leading to enduring cultural stereotypes that still influence how society views certain animals.

Sources

Serpell, J. A. (2002). “Guardian Spirits or Demonic Pets: The Concept of the Witch’s Familiar in Early Modern England, 1530–1712.” In The Animal-Human Boundary. Brill.
Darnton, R. (1984). The Great Cat Massacre and Other Episodes in French Cultural History. Basic Books.