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You're probably aware that some people are afraid of black cats.

You might even be cautious of them yourself? Many think that the animals are a sign of bad luck.

But why? What fuels the superstition? Surely disliking an animal simply because of its fur colour is entirely irrational.

According to Today I Found Out , the origins date back to the Middle Ages, long after 3,000 BC when, particularly in countries such as Egypt, cats were worshipped.

Witches

(Image: Getty)

As society changed and centuries passed, black cats became feared and maligned as 'witches' were.

Hysteria spread in these superstitious times. People thought witches were practising black magic and darkness (the new Christian society battling against past Pagan beliefs) – and it just so happened that it was then that stray cats become more apparent.

Guess who looked after them? Yes – poor, lonely old ladies who felt sorry for the alley cats and gave them morsels to eat. The original 'cat ladies', perhaps.

(Image: RSPCA)

And so these cat companions – some of which were black – were deemed guilty by association. Folklore latched on and stories were told.

Modern times

These superstitions have continued into modern times. However absurd you might think it.

It means that often, black cats are left without a home.

(Image: RSPCA)

"The RSPCA has more than 1,300 cats in its centres looking for their fur-ever homes - more than any other animal and 15 per cent more than at the same time last year," the animal welfare charity says.

"RSPCA centres find they have black and black and white cats waiting that little bit longer to be re-homed compared with some cats with other coat colours."

According to the organisation, figures show that there are more black cats in its care than any other colour. As of October 1, there were more than 1,000 waiting for a snuggly family to cuddle up to.

(Image: RSPCA)

RSPCA cat behaviour and welfare expert Alice Potter said: “We would urge people to look beyond an animal's appearance. Their coat colour makes no difference to how much love they have to give.

“Black cats can make lovely family pets. There are many in our care ready for their new home and we would love to hear from anyone who is willing to give them a new life.”

It gets worse for black cats

At Halloween, the myths and legends and strange happenings take centre stage. People dress up as ghouls and ghosts – and black cats, sometimes.

(Image: Getty Images)

While most celebrations are fun and lighthearted, there are some who take Halloween more seriously than others. And black cats could be in danger.

Some people have been known to torture black cats in a ritualistic display of gruesome behaviour. While incidents are very rare, the likes of the RSPCA calls on owners to keep their pets indoors on Halloween night (and the weekend closest to it).

The situation also leads to most animal charities from waiting until after the event has passed to adopt out black cats.