Published Oct 28, 2026
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Halloween week is the purrfect time for this good news concerning real-life black cats, who have been longtime cartoon mascots for the spooky holiday on October 31 due to legends and myths: Only 15 percent of Americans surveyed believe black cats bring bad luck, according to a recent poll.
The website NEXT.io, an online gambling industry publication, surveyed 2,000 adults in the United States to ask them about their beliefs about luck, lucky breaks they have had, and what they do to tip the odds of luck in their favor. Some of the questions talked about black cats and the superstitions about bad luck. Although the survey isn’t necessarily representative of the general population, it’s encouraging that more than eight out of 10 respondents don’t associate black cats with bad luck – and we parents of these little panthers know how special they are!
America’s Most Common Superstitions (2026)
| Rank | Superstition | Share of US Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knock on wood | 52.7% |
| 2 | Cross their fingers | 40.9% |
| 3 | Make a wish at 11:11 | 33.2% |
| 4 | Avoid walking under a ladder | 28.4% |
| 5 | Pick up a heads-up penny | 27.4% |
| 6 | Broken mirror = bad luck | 25.3% |
| 7 | Itchy palms = money | 20.7% |
| 8 | Avoid “splitting the pole” | 16.5% |
| 9 | Throw salt over the shoulder | 15.8% |
| 10 | Black cat = bad luck | 15.3% |
| 11 | Read meaning into an eye twitch | 9.0% |
| — | None of these | 23.6% |
Source: The Great American Luck Index 2026, NEXT.io. Survey of US adults. Note: Multiple answers were allowed, so percentages do not add up to 100%.
“A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere,” as a famous quote often attributed to comedian and actor Groucho Marx puts it.
In the section of the NEXT survey called “The Black Cat Just Wants to Cross the Street,” participants gave interesting answers to several questions about black cats. Asked what they would do if a black cat crossed their path, 42 percent said they would keep walking, and 31 percent said they would stop and pet the cat. (And we cat lovers are thinking: Why only 31 percent?) A small minority of respondents (22 percent) said they would feel uneasy, change direction, or wait if a black cat crossed their path. (And we say: Adopt it!)
What Would Americans Do If a Black Cat Crossed Their Path?
| Rank | Response | Share of US Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nothing, keep walking | 42.0% |
| 2 | Stop and pet it | 31.1% |
| 3 | Feel a little uneasy, but keep going | 14.8% |
| 4 | Change direction or wait | 7.6% |
| 5 | Take it as a good sign | 4.4% |
Source: The Great American Luck Index 2026, NEXT.io. Survey of US adults. Note: One answer per respondent.
Interestingly, of the poll respondents who said they saw black cats as bad luck, only one in four said they would not adopt one. The survey also asked respondents whether a cat’s color mattered if they were adopting a cat, and 68.1 percent said no. About 10.3 percent of survey takers said they would prefer to adopt a black cat, and only 7.7 percent said they would avoid adopting a black cat.
Would Cat Color Matter When Adopting a Cat?
| Rank | Response | Share of US Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Color wouldn’t matter | 68.1% |
| 2 | Not interested in adopting | 13.8% |
| 3 | Would prefer a black cat | 10.3% |
| 4 | Would prefer to avoid a black cat | 7.7% |
Source: The Great American Luck Index 2026, NEXT.io. Survey of US adults. Note: One answer per respondent.
These numbers about adoptions are encouraging, because black cats made up an estimated 33 percent of cats admitted to shelters and rescues in a 2013 study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This is because black is a common color in cats, so lots of black cats means lots of black cats need homes. And we encourage you to adopt a mini panther to bring good luck and blessings to your home!
I myself have two black female cats, and I have had two black-and-white tuxedo male cats. Not only is black fur gorgeous – it makes the cat look like sleek, shiny onyx – but every black cat I’ve known has had an amazing personality. My G.G., who is 18 and a tough old gal, has been one of the most affectionate cats I have ever had. My Victoria, who is about 7, is sweet, spirited, and a bit spicy. Black cat devotees will tell you that their homes will never be complete without their little panthers!
From expressive eyes to lovable personalities, black cats have plenty of qualities that make them wonderful companions. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
We have written many articles about black cats on Cats.com. We talk about the eight benefits of black cats and why you should adopt one. Those benefits include the gorgeous eyes black cats have, the way their fur doesn’t show up on dark clothes or furniture, their fabulous purrsonalities, and how having a black cat makes Halloween feel more festive at home.
In this article, we discuss seven fascinating facts about black cats you may not know, like how common black fur is, how black fur can hide patterns, and how black cats might have genetic traits associated with disease resistance.
Some spiritual traditions view black cats as symbols of good fortune and protection. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
In another article, we explore the spiritual meaning of black cat legends, including one we believe to be true: Black cats actually bring good fortune into our lives! Another spiritual legend is that black cats can serve as spiritual guardians, and another one says a cat on a ship can provide protection at sea.
We wish you a Happy Halloween, and may you have the good fortune of a black cat crossing your path!
