Why are black cats supposed to be bad luck?

In this listener-requested episode of Cursed...ish, Angela and Daniel dig into the long, strange history of black cat superstition and how one extremely normal, extremely adorable animal became associated with witches, demons, bad omens, and Halloween.

The trail leads back to medieval Europe, Pope Gregory IX, the Vox in Rama, and one truly unhinged description of a supposed satanic cult involving giant toads, mysterious pale men, a walking black cat statue, and a ritual that raises several questions nobody really wanted answered.

From there, we follow black cats into witch trials, familiars, Macbeth, King James and his obsession with witchcraft, Greek and Egyptian mythology, Hecate, Bastet, and folklore from around the world. Because depending on where and when you live, a black cat might mean death and misfortune... or protection, prosperity, romance, and very good luck.

We also meet Scotland’s Cat Sìth, a giant supernatural black cat said to wander the Highlands, steal souls, curse cattle, and accept offerings of milk during Samhain. Plus, we take a detour into Chilean treasure-hunting rituals involving black cats, mysterious buried treasure, and some extremely specific instructions you probably should not try at home.

So are black cats actually cursed?

Maybe cursed. Maybe not. Definitely adoptable.

Questions, comments, or your own accursed tales to share? Send us a hex at uhoh@cursedish.com.

The hosts of Cursed...ish are not responsible for any misfortunes that may befall you while listening to this podcast. By listening to Cursed...ish, you assume all risk of bad luck, ill omens, and unexplained catastrophes.

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