Why Were Black Cats Considered “The Devil’s Helpers”?
In Medieval Europe, black cats were seen as the devil’s helpers, witches’ companions, and symbols of bad luck. These superstitions led to the killing of thousands of cats and, interestingly, indirectly contributed to the spread of plague epidemics. So why did black cats become such hated creatures? Here are the details of this dark history…
- Why Were Black Cats Considered “The Devil’s Helpers”?
The belief that black cats bring bad luck dates back to ancient Roman and Germanic mythology. However, their demonization by the Christian Church in the Middle Ages further fueled this belief:
Edict of Pope Gregory IX (1233): In his encyclical “Vox in Rama,” the Pope claimed that the devil disguised himself as a black cat.
Witch Hunts and Black Cats: The Inquisition believed that cats (especially black ones) were disfigured versions of witches.
Public Fear: People believed that seeing a black cat was a harbinger of death. Rumors even spread that cats roamed cemeteries and stole the souls of the dead.
- The Massacre of Cats and the Rise of the Plague
The Black Death (Plague), which ravaged Europe in the 16th century, wiped out nearly a third of the population. However, one of the reasons for this epidemic’s widespread prevalence was the deliberate reduction of the cat population.
The Uncontrolled Proliferation of Rats: The killing of cats led to an explosion in the population of mice and rats.
The Main Carrier of the Plague: Fleas: The plague bacterium (Yersinia pestis) was spread through fleas living on mice. Without cats, rats began to roam human settlements.
The Church’s Ironic Mistake: By declaring cats “the work of the devil,” the Church unwittingly paved the way for the spread of the plague.
- Remnants of Beliefs About Black Cats
Prejudices against black cats persist in some cultures even today:
Bad Luck in the West, Luck in the East:
In Europe and the US, a black cat crossing your path is considered bad luck.
In Japan and England, on the contrary, it is believed to bring good luck.
The Symbol of Halloween: Black cats are essential for Halloween decorations because they are considered the familiar spirits of witches.
- Science Justifies Cats
Modern research has revealed the critical role of cats in the ecosystem:
They are one of the most effective predators in controlling mice and pests.
If cats had been protected in the Middle Ages, the impact of the plague would have been much less.
One of History’s Greatest Misconceptions
Superstition about black cats turned into a chain reaction that led to the deaths of millions. Today, we know how innocent and beneficial cats are, but this dark history stands as a striking example of the cost of prejudice.