Famous black cats are quite unforgettable. We reveal some of the most known in this article. From cartoon characters to historical icons, take a walk down memory lane with the black felines who stole the show and our hearts.
So, let’s paw in!
Black Cats Have Been Revered for Millenia
Black cats have held a fascinating place in mythology throughout history. In various mythological beliefs, these felines have been both revered and feared, often embodying a duality of symbolism.
In ancient Egypt, black cats were revered and considered sacred. They were associated with the goddess Bastet, protector and representation of fertility and domesticity. In Japan, black cats hold a significant place in folklore and popular culture. They’re a symbol of both good fortune and protection from evil. Known as “kuro-neko”, black cats are considered to be bringers of luck and prosperity.
However, in other cultures, black cats have been associated with superstitions and misfortune. In European folklore, particularly during the Middle Ages, they were believed to be associated with witches. Their sleek black coats and mysterious nature led to unfounded fears and negative connotations. This was brought to North America, where black cats are viewed as bad luck by many.
Despite the varying interpretations, black cats remain an intriguing and captivating aspect of mythology. They embody mystery.
What Makes a Cat Famous?
There have been famous cats throughout history for a variety of reasons. In the past, cats became renowned for their role in ancient civilizations, particularly in Egypt, where they were revered as sacred creatures. Egyptians believed cats possessed divine qualities and even worshipped them as manifestations of gods and goddesses. Black cats have also held a distinct allure throughout history, shaped by both their associations with mythology and superstitions. They became famous due to their presence in various cultural beliefs and folklore. In addition, cats were highly regarded for their hunting skills like protecting valuable crops from rodents, so they were well-liked animals.
Today, cats continue to captivate people’s hearts, but for different reasons. They’re movie stars, cartoon characters and many are social media sensations. Videos of their adorable antics, photographs of them posing with a variety of products, and memes that make us laugh are available at the tips of our fingers. For example, the Grumpy Cat meme went viral in a matter of hours. Cats have become beloved internet celebrities.
Black cats also have a newfound niche in today’s technological age. Their striking appearance and mysterious aura have made them popular subjects in art, photography, and media. They’re often celebrated for their beauty, elegance, and unique charm. Also, the growing awareness and advocacy for animal welfare have shed light on the unjust stigma associated with black cats, leading to campaigns promoting their adoption and emphasizing their lovable and affectionate nature. They’re now symbols of resilience and beauty, debunking the unfounded superstitions of the past.
13 Famous Black Cats Who Stole the Show & Our Hearts
There are some famous black cats who stole the show and our hearts. So, let’s look at 13 standouts.
1. Salem from “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”
Salem is an American Shorthair from the TV sitcom “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” that aired for seven years. He’s one of the most famous black cats in pop culture. The talking cat was the comical sidekick to the show’s main character. He participated in shenanigans and was a positive spin on the otherwise negatively symbolic witch’s black cat.
2. Felix the Cat
Felix the Cat is a black cat with white eyes. He’s a cartoon character that was created in 1919, and the most widely recognized cartoon cat in history. Before the 1920s Felix films were silent and sound was added in 1929. He became so popular over the years that Felix the Cat has its own merchandise.
3. Sylvester from Looney Tunes
If you’re familiar with the phrases, “Suffering succotash!” or “Did I saw a putty tat?” you know who Sylvester is. He’s the comical black and white Looney Tunes cat that’s always trying to catch and eat Tweety Bird, the yellow canary. Sylvester first appeared on television in 1945.
4. Thackery Binx from “Hocus Pocus”
Thackery Binx is from the Disney TV show “Hocus Pocus”. He was a boy and was transformed into an immortal black cat by three witches. Binx was a brave and also determined cat who is a companion to human counterparts.
5. Snowball II from “The Simpsons”
Any pet of the Simpsons family is sure to get mistreated from time to time, and Snowball II is no exception. Snowball II is the famous cartoon family’s second cat that gets wrapped up in their wild lives. After Snowball I got hit by a car, Lisa Simpson got Snowball II. The name is supposed to be ironic since it’s a black cat.
6. Scat Cat from “The Aristocats”
Scat Cat from the popular 1970 Disney movie “The Aristocats” is a black cat. He’s a singing, dancing, scatty character. Fun fact: Louis Armstrong the original choice to voice the character. But Louis became ill and couldn’t do it.
7. Lucifer from “Cinderella”
Lucifer is the famous black cat that tries to stop the mice from helping Cinderella, as it wasn’t to eat them. He’s featured in Disney’s 1950 animated film, “Cinderella”. Lucifer has a bad personality and tries to get in the way of good things happening. He also offers comic relief in the midst of the story and he delivers on it.
8. Cole from “Cole and Marmalade”
Cole is from the famous YouTube channel, “Cole and Marmalade” with over 1.4 million followers. He gets into all sorts of fun-to-watch shenanigans with Marmalade. Unfortunately, Cole died of cancer. But there are many videos on the channel to remember him by and watch him loving life.
9. Luna from “Sailor Moon”
Luna is the hilarious black cat from the anime series “Sailor Moon”. The show is about a teenage girl, Sailor Moon, who transforms into the powerful guardian of love and justice. Luna advises Sailor Moon and can do midair somersaults, can jump high, and uses her claws to scratch enemies. Luna can also make her crescent moon mark glow.
10. Bagheera from “The Jungle Book”
“The Jungle Book” is a classic cartoon featuring many animals, including Bagheera the black panther. The large cat, first seen in Disney’s 1967 film, is honorable and a little short-tempered. He’s the guardian of Mowgli, a young orphaned boy. Also, he’s one of the most iconic Panthers in the world.
11. Figaro from “Pinocchio”
Figaro is Geppetto’s black and white cat in the 1940 animated film “Pinocchio”. The cat is a comical character who gets a little jealous of Pinocchio. The cartoon feline also appeared as Minnie Mouse’s cat in several short films. Fun fact: Figaro was Walt Disney’s favorite character in Pinocchio.
12. Isis from “Star Trek”
Isis was a shapeshifter who went with Supervisor Gary Seven from his secret base to Earth in “Star Trek”. The cat could communicate with him telepathically and watched out for him. Isis would also do things like spy for him. She famously wore a diamond collar.
13. Mark Twain’s Bambino
After Mark Twain’s, whose real name is Samuel Clemens, wife passed away his daughter was grieving and snuck a black cat into their no-animals-allowed New York apartment. But the cat, Bambino, brought her and eventually her father comfort. She writes about it in her book, My Father, Mark Twain.
Pro Tip: Dogs have talent too! Check out Buddy Mercury the piano-playing dog.
Find Famous Black Cats On YouTube or a Streaming Service
You can check out most of these famous black cats on YouTube or episodes on a streaming service. Take a look back at those that bring you nostalgia and check out some that you’ve never heard of. It’s so fun to watch cats, real or animated, in action.
What’s your favorite famous black cat? Leave a comment below.
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