Here's What It Really Means When You See A Black Cat

Black cats tend to get a bad rep. They're most associated with Halloween and witches. Who remembers Salem from "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" or Thackery Binx from "Hocus Pocus"? Along with being a spooky icon, there's also a superstition that if a black cat crosses your path, it's bad luck. 

However, if you ask someone from another country, they may say black cats are actually a sign of good luck (via The Sun). For instance, someone in the U.K. might think they're having a great day if they see a black cat on their way to work. The same goes for someone in Germany, but only if that cat crosses from the left to the right. So, why is it that in the United States, black cats are seen as a bad sign?

Well, it could be linked to the Middle Ages, according to The Spruce Pets. That's when black cats were most associated with witches and Satan, and if you know anything about U.S. history and the Salem witch trials, you know witches were not welcome. But there's actually more to seeing a black cat than what you know now.

The sad reality is that due to all the negative misconceptions about black cats, these adorable pets are passed up often at animal shelters (via Wellness Pet Food) But black cats are just as cuddly and adorable as any other breed or fur coat color. They make the purrfect companions, especially if you're a single woman. 

According to Nationwide Pet Insurance, black cats are known to be good luck to have in Japan if you're a woman looking for love. Being seen with one is supposed to increase your number of suitors (via the South Florida Reporter). So, if you're on any dating apps, you should upload a few pics with your black kitty. And if anyone opposes because they think black cats are bad luck, you can easily swipe left knowing that they're wrong. That's because at the end of the day, seeing a black cat has no real significance as far as luck goes. However, if you're a cat-lover, consider the sighting a positive to your day.