Our poor black-furred pals have been given a bad rep through the ages. Black cats aren’t synonymous with bad luck and mischief everywhere — in Ireland, Scotland and England, it’s considered good luck for a black cat to cross your path. So, c’mon world–follow suit!

Historically black cats were often used as symbols of bad luck, black cats grace many Halloween decorations. The black cat’s bad reputation dates back to the Dark Ages, when witch hunts were commonplace.

Elderly, solitary women were often accused of witchcraft, and their pet cats were said to be their “familiars,” or demonic animals that had been given to them by the devil. Another medieval myth told that Satan turned himself into a cat when socializing with witches.

I think we are all pretty safe from having our cats turn into satan for the night. So, it may be time to put this myth to bed?