National Black Cat Day
National Black Cat Day falls on October 27 each year. It celebrates black and black-and-white cats and encourages people to give them a home, since they have often been overlooked by adopters.
How National Black Cat Day started
According to Cats Protection, it created National Black Cat Day on 27 October 2011 after finding that black and black-and-white cats in its care took, on average, a week longer to find homes than cats of other colours. The campaign was designed to celebrate these cats and encourage people to give them a chance. It began as Black Cat Awareness Day and became an annual event after its first year; in 2012, Cats Protection renamed it National Black Cat Day.
In the United States, a separate observance, Black Cat Appreciation Day, is held on August 17.
Black cats in folklore
Black cats have collected more superstitions than almost any other animal. In medieval Europe they were linked to witchcraft, which is where much of their “bad luck” reputation comes from, and they are still a familiar Halloween symbol today.
Other traditions see them very differently. In parts of Britain a black cat has long been considered a sign of good luck, and in Japan black cats are often seen as lucky too. Cats in general were also highly valued in ancient Egypt, where the goddess Bastet was shown with the head of a cat.
A few facts about black cats
- Not a breed: black fur appears in many different breeds, from the sleek, all-black Bombay to everyday domestic shorthairs.
- Striking eyes: many black cats have gold, copper or green eyes, which stand out against their dark coats.
- Sun-bleached coats: a black cat that spends lots of time in the sun can develop a rusty, brownish tint in its fur.
Ways to celebrate National Black Cat Day
- Adopt or foster: if you’ve been thinking about a cat, visit a local shelter and meet the black cats first.
- Support a shelter: donate food, litter or blankets, or give an afternoon of your time as a volunteer.
- Share your cat: post a photo of your black cat with #BlackCatDay to show how much personality they have.
- Bust a myth: tell friends where the bad-luck superstition came from, and how many cultures see black cats as lucky.
- Spoil your own: a new toy, a favourite treat or a cosy blanket spot makes it their day too.
Source: Cats Protection – the history of National Black Cat Day.
When is National Black Cat Day?
National Black Cat Day: Every year on October 27.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | October 27 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | October 27 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | October 27 | Friday |
| 2029 | October 27 | Saturday |
| 2030 | October 27 | Sunday |
Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on October 21, 2026 · Last updated October 21, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Black Cat Day in 2026?
National Black Cat Day is on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. After that, it falls on Wednesday, October 27, 2027. Every year on October 27.
Is National Black Cat Day a public holiday?
No. National Black Cat Day is an observance, not an official public holiday, so schools and businesses stay open as usual.
How did National Black Cat Day start?
Cats Protection created it in 2011 after finding that black and black-and-white cats in its care took, on average, a week longer to find homes. It began as Black Cat Awareness Day and was renamed National Black Cat Day in 2012.
What does National Black Cat Day celebrate?
It celebrates black and black-and-white cats and encourages people to give them a home. The day also challenges the idea that black cats bring bad luck, a superstition linked to medieval European beliefs about witchcraft.
How can you celebrate National Black Cat Day?
You can meet black cats at a shelter, adopt or foster one, or support a shelter with donations or volunteer time. You can also share a photo with #BlackCatDay, bust a myth, or treat your own cat to a toy or cosy spot.
Sources
✓ Date matches Cats Protection: National Black Cat Day (checked automatically on October 12, 2026).
