National Black Cat Day is observed every October 27, a fixed awareness day created in the United Kingdom to celebrate black cats and help them find loving homes. It is distinct from the U.S. Black Cat Appreciation Day held on August 17, so it is worth knowing which one you mean.
When is National Black Cat Day?
National Black Cat Day falls on October 27 each year, including October 27, 2026. The date sits just before Halloween, a time when black cats loom large in popular imagery, from decorations to superstitions. That timing is deliberate, using the season’s spotlight to reframe black cats in a positive light.
History and origin of National Black Cat Day
National Black Cat Day was created by Cats Protection, the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, on October 27, 2011. The charity launched the day after finding that black and black-and-white cats took, on average, about a week longer to find homes than cats of other colors. Part of the problem, shelters reported, was that black cats can be harder to photograph well for adoption listings and are burdened by old superstitions. Cats Protection built the day to celebrate “monochrome moggies” and speed up their adoptions. It should not be confused with Black Cat Appreciation Day, a separate U.S. observance created in 2011 by Wayne H. Morris in memory of his sister and her black cat, held on August 17.
Why National Black Cat Day matters
Black cats have long been tangled up in myths, seen as unlucky in some cultures and lucky in others. Those superstitions, plus the practical challenge of photographing dark fur, can leave black cats waiting longer in shelters. National Black Cat Day works to counter that, reminding people that a cat’s color says nothing about its personality or its ability to be a wonderful companion. The day gives shelters and rescues a platform to promote adoptions and dispel harmful stereotypes.
How to celebrate National Black Cat Day
- Consider adopting a black cat from a local shelter or rescue.
- Foster a black cat to help it find a permanent home.
- Share flattering photos of black cats to boost their visibility.
- Donate to or volunteer with a cat welfare charity like Cats Protection.
- Learn and share the facts that debunk black-cat superstitions.
- Support shelters with supplies during their adoption pushes.
- Post your black cat online with #NationalBlackCatDay.
Why black cats wait longer for homes
The core problem National Black Cat Day set out to address is a real one: black and black-and-white cats have historically taken longer to be adopted than cats of other colors. Cats Protection has pointed to a mix of causes, from lingering superstitions to the simple fact that solid black fur can be harder to photograph well, making adoption listings less eye-catching in a world of phone cameras and social media. By spotlighting these cats around Halloween, when black-cat imagery is everywhere, the charity aims to turn a seasonal stereotype into a reason to look closer and adopt.
Superstitions and cultural differences
Black cats occupy a strange place in folklore. In parts of the United States and Europe they have been associated with bad luck or witchcraft, an unfair reputation that still shadows them today. Yet in other cultures the opposite is true: in much of the United Kingdom and in Japan, black cats are widely considered symbols of good luck and prosperity, and sailors once valued them aboard ships. National Black Cat Day leans into those positive traditions to remind people that a cat’s color has nothing to do with its temperament or its capacity to be a loving companion. Debunking the myths is a central part of the day’s mission.
Related days and observances
Related observances include Black Cat Appreciation Day on August 17, National Cat Day, International Cat Day, and National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. Each supports cats and animal adoption.
Fun facts
In parts of the UK and Japan, black cats are considered good luck rather than bad. Cats Protection has reported that black and black-and-white cats have historically been among the slowest to be rehomed, which is exactly the gap the day aims to close.
By turning a season of superstition into a chance to change minds, National Black Cat Day has helped countless cats find homes since Cats Protection launched it in 2011. The message is simple and worth repeating: a cat’s color says nothing about its personality or its ability to love and be loved. Whether you adopt, foster, share a flattering photo, or donate to a shelter, October 27 is an easy way to give these overlooked cats the attention, and the homes, they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Black Cat Day?
It is a fixed awareness day on October 27 every year.
Who started National Black Cat Day?
The UK charity Cats Protection created it in 2011.
Is it the same as Black Cat Appreciation Day?
No. Black Cat Appreciation Day is a separate U.S. observance on August 17, created by Wayne H. Morris.
Why is National Black Cat Day near Halloween?
October 27 sits close to Halloween, when black-cat symbolism is most visible in popular culture.
Why do we celebrate National Black Cat Day?
To challenge superstitions and help black cats, which are often adopted more slowly, find homes.
What is the hashtag for National Black Cat Day?
The common tag is #NationalBlackCatDay.