Black cats, broken mirrors, or the unlucky number 13. Friday the 13th superstitions shouldn’t be taken lightly. That is, unless you’re taking the time to celebrate some of the popular cartoon black cats of my generation’s youth. And that’s what we’re here to do. So, enjoy some of these retro cartoons!
Sylvester Pussy Cat
For all the cartoons developed over the years, there was always one we could all agree on watching. Looney Tunes. I remember my mom recording Daffy Duck’s Movie: Fantastic Island on VHS and I watched it on repeat. I actually still have this very VHS for nostalgia’s sake, but nothing to play it on!
The Sylvester episode I remember most is one without Tweety. It’s one from the Daffy Duck movie: “A Mouse Divided.”
Snowball II
The Simpsons is one of these shows that seems to be lasting forever. Snowball II made it through 15 seasons before being hit by Dr. Hibbert’s Mercedes. While the family adopted 3 other cats, Snowball V is simply referenced again as Snowball II as they look similar.
Lucifer
The mean-spirited cat of Lady Tremaine in Cinderella. While we have the main storyline of Cinderella finding her Prince Charming, we also have a side plot of Cat vs. Mouse, which adds a comedic twist to this beloved fairy tale.
Scratchy
Another cat from The Simpsons is from a cartoon within a cartoon. Scratchy, the tuxedo cat from The Itchy and Scratchy Show. If you are unfamiliar, think Tom and Jerry with blood and gore. The kids love it! “Treehouse of Horror IX: The Terror of Tiny Toon.”
Penelope Cat
Returning to the Daffy Duck movie, this cartoon features Pepe Le Pew chasing after another Looney Tunes black cat, Penelope Cat. “Louvre Come Back to Me!”
Another Friday the 13th in the books. One more to go, but not until November. I hope your day of superstition is more one of fun and laughter. And if you find yourself being afraid of that wandering black cat out in the street today, just think about these cartoons and be thankful it isn’t actually a skunk.
Hi Serena! Loved the article. On this Friday the 13th,your dive into all of the black cartoon cats is a lot of fun. I have to say Sylvester is a definite favorite. I had a tuxedo cat like him (RIP Hines. Named after Steeler Hines Ward) Always laughed when he said “Sufferin’ Sucotash!’ and at his continuous effort to make Tweety Bird his unattainable snack despite every trick in the book. Snowball II has been a part of The Simpsons for so long ,you just expect to see him somewhere no matter what number they’re up to now. How can you not enjoy an Itchy and Scratchy cartoon that is not even close to family friendly Tom and Jerry. Blood and gore. What’s not to love! Poor Penelope Cat always being overpersued by the charming but smelly Pepe Le Pew. Been there. HA! I’ve never been one to fret about Friday the 13th. My aunt refused to leave the house on that day which I always found silly and I saw a woman scream and faint dead away because a black cat crossed in front of her. Better than a skunk. Enjoy your Friday the 13th!
Thanks Serena!
Thank you, Lynne! Awww, I bet Hines was an amazing kitty. And wild story about your aunt! Pretty sure I “feared” the superstitions on Friday the 13th until about the 4th or so grade. When the understanding that some of them are too silly to be real. Or maybe more adolescent things to worry about started to kick in. Hahaha
I’m sticking up for Lucifer. He only did what cats do by instinct. His evil owner made him mean.
It was cruel and unjust for him to fall to his doom (meaning he was never seen again in that film).
I’ll take a vermin-destroyer any day of the week.
Ha!! First, thank you Patrick! And second, agree… poor Lucifer. Did he actually need to DIE?! Should have been adopted by the royal family and I bet he would no longer be a mean old pussycat. 😉