Why do people say that black cats bring bad luck?

Feb 1, 2026 5 min

About this episode

According to estimations from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals charity, UK households are home to around 11 million pet cats. Cats have long been an integral part of human culture, and that has given rise to certain beliefs and superstitions. That’s particularly true when it comes to black cats, who have been associated with bad luck and misfortune for centuries. The association between black cats and bad luck can be traced back to various cultural beliefs and historical events. Why is it black cats in particular? Are there any cultures or regions where black cats are considered symbols of good luck? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here : Can naps keep the brain healthy? What is online grooming? What does eating junk food do to our brains? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 2/8/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to this episode in English to learn English

Podcast episodes are one of the highest-density ways to absorb English at native pace. Why do people say that black cats bring bad luck? from Do you really know? gives you natural dialogue, unscripted speech, and vocabulary that actually appears in real conversations.

In the Hinto app, every word in the transcript is tappable. Tap an unknown word, see the translation in your language instantly, and keep listening without breaking flow.

Episodes to Learn English

More podcasts in English