The black fur gene is recessive, so a cat must carry two copies of it to be black.
Scientists have found genetic mutations among several different kinds of cats that caused them to be black, meaning they are favored in nature.
Scientists also discovered that the mutations affect a gene related to one that's resistant to HIV in humans, leading some to theorize that black cats may be resistant to disease.
In Europe, poor, lonely women often fed alley cats. When witch hysteria hit, many of these homeless women were accused of witchcraft, and their feline companions (especially black ones) were deemed guilty by association.
The Egyptian goddess Bast was thought to take the form of a black cat, so many ancient Egyptians owned black cats as a way to court her favor.
According to British lore, a black cat's presence in a house will bring a young woman many suitors.
The British also believe that a black cat will bring its owner good luck, but coming across one accidentally brings bad luck.
Some people believe that plucking a single white hair on an otherwise ebony cat -- without getting scratched -- will make them lucky in love.
On Britain's Yorkshire coast, fishermen's wives believed owning a black cat would keep their husbands safe at sea.
Black cat trivia
1. Which English monarch was so devoted to his black cat that he insisted it be guarded 24 hours a day?
2. A black cat's tail is thought to cure what ailment?
3. In Scotland, a black cat's appearance on your porch is thought to bring what?
1. King Charles I; the day after the cat died, he was arrested for treason.