Black Cats' Genes May Be FIV- Resistant

Black cats have a rich history, stretching from the Middle Ages to modern pop culture. In medieval Europe, they were linked with witchcraft, dark magic and superstition: A black cat crossing your path was seen as a bad omen.

But in countries like Japan and Scotland, black cats are believed to bring good luck and even bring prosperity. In ancient Egypt, cats of all kinds — including solid black cats — were revered as divine companions.

That sleek black coat isn’t just for looks. It comes from a group of genetic mutations that affect melanin production.

Interestingly, some of these mutations affect resistance to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), much like certain genetic traits in humans offer resistance to HIV. That's right: Your furry little midnight ninja is rocking some serious biological armor.

A black cat can be found across many domestic cat breeds, not just one.

The Bombay cat is the classic image of a mini panther, with its round face, golden eyes and silky coat. The Norwegian forest cat brings a dense coat and large size to the black cat club.

Then there are the charming Scottish folds with their folded ears, the plush British shorthairs, the exotic Cornish rex with its wavy coat and large ears — and of course, Maine coons, the classic gentle giants. Even black American shorthairs stand out with their rich, glossy coats.

Not every black cat is truly a solid black. Under sunlight, some cats reveal a tabby pattern, especially if the black comes from a diluted gene. Others may have undertones or variations in fur texture that change with seasons.

Coat types can range from a silky coat to a luxurious coat, each giving the cat a unique appearance among other cats.

Unfortunately, black cat breeds tend to stay in animal shelters longer than other cats. Why? Superstition lingers, and their features often don’t show up well in photos.

Around Halloween, shelters sometimes pause black cat adoptions altogether to prevent irresponsible adoptions based on fear or novelty. But these cats make great pets and deserve loving forever homes just like any other animals.

Here’s something comforting: Black cats have a slightly longer average lifespan than other cats, partly thanks to those same genes that make them resilient against FIV (though there's no conclusive evidence that their coat color is the cause of increased longevity).

They're an ideal lap cat, bonding deeply with their human companions.

Every year, National Black Cat Day shines a spotlight on these misunderstood felines. It’s the perfect moment to promote adoption, celebrate their unique personality and remind people that these cats are just as loving as other pets or other animals.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.