'Black cats are considered superstitious - but we love them'

This is the message a group of paddleboarders wanted to get out to people on Saturday morning as they took to the waters at Sandbanks. 

Clad in Halloween outfits, the group were raising money for Paula’s Cat Rescue in Poole – and wanted to break the stigma of black cats. 

Elaine Williams, paddleboard instructor and organiser of the event, has seen first hand the effect the cruel reputation can have on a black cat.

Cat paddleboard in Poole Harbour (Image: Daily Echo)

Her own black cat, called Teddy, spent six months living through a “really cold winter” under a shed before she took it in from Paula’s Cat rescue. 

“And Teddy, being black, we then started learning more about black cats and historically they will be in a rescue centre many weeks more than any other cat,” she explained. 

“This is for various reasons: one is, sadly, they've still got historical associations with witches and also if a black cat crosses your path, it's considered bad luck. 

“But also the rescuers find a lot of black cats are just not photogenic, so when they put their photos up of cats that are available, they don't look so good.” 

(L-R) Lesley Williams, Pauline Holt-Cousins and Bobbi White (Image: Daily Echo)

Keen to raise the profile of black cats, Elaine gathered fellow black cat owners and has so far raised close to £700 altogether for the charity. 

“We want to see black cats. They're still as special and as loving as any other cats,” Elaine added. 

She was joined by her sister Lesley Williams, who co-owns Teddy the black cat. 

Lesley said: “Black cats are considered superstitious and they’re considered bad luck in European folklore, but they are the most loving cats – they're gorgeous.” 

Meanwhile Bobbi White, dressed as a witch, added: “They're not as photogenic, they’re all a bit dotty, but we love them. They’re beautiful.” 

Black cats are often seen as a symbol of Halloween and witchcraft in the UK and in the western world. 

Giving a bride a black cat on her wedding day will bring her good luck in England, according to some. 

Charity Cats Protection offers advice on taking the perfect picture of a black cat, and said you need to get the right background, switching on the lights and having a play with the exposure.