Blacks are the Cat's pyjamas

IT'S National Black Cat Day - a chance to raise a paw to the moggies so unfairly accused of bringing bad luck. They remain the least adopted colour in UK animal shelters, with some owners claiming they are "not photogenic. Now we're here to stand up for the sleek and stylish felines. Here proud black cat owner MEG JORSH gives you the facts...

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Nautical but nice: Black cats were once considered lucky by sailors, who believed they could protect seagoing vessels from bad weather. They were often used as ships' cats, carried to keep down the rodent population. The kitties were popular in the Royal Navy until 1975, when pets were banned on hygiene grounds.

Black magic: In the South of France, black cats are called matagots or magician cats. They are said to bring good fortune to their owners as long as they are treated with respect. That means giving them the first bite of food at every meal, in the hope they will bring you a gold coin every morning.