Gen Z are the most superstitious age group in the UK with more than a quarter of young Brits scared of black cats, a new study has revealed.
The research from Burns Pet Nutrition found that two-thirds (66%) of Gen Z consider themselves ‘superstitious’ – with two-fifths (41%) of them routinely acting upon their fears.
One in four (28%) Gen Z cling to the age-old fear of black cats that dates back to the Middle Ages – an era rife with worries about witchcraft and plague-spreading beasts.
Today, some 16% of young Brits would take active steps to avoid a black cat crossing their path and nearly a third (32%) admit they don’t fully trust them.
Older Brits are the least superstitious, with less than a third (30%) of folk aged 78 and above and four in 10 (39%) aged 60 to 77 fretting over black cats and broken mirrors.
Britain’s biggest superstition is walking under a ladder, a worry that dates back 5,000 years to Ancient Egypt when folk feared wandering beneath the rungs would disturb evil spirits.
Nearly a third (32%) of Brits refuse to walk under a ladder to this day.
Breaking a mirror is the UK’s second biggest superstition. Nearly a third (31%) of Brits believe it brings bad luck, as did the Romans who worried the angered Gods would rain misery upon them.
One in four (25%) Brits wouldn’t dream of opening an umbrella indoors and just over one in ten (14%) avoid walking over three drains.
Despite the apparent fear for black cats, they also appear to harbour the most sympathy, with two-fifths (40%) of Brits saying they would happily adopt one as a rescue pet.
Emily Boardman, Pet Nutritionist and Veterinary Advisor at Burns Pet Nutrition comments “Despite the age-old belief that black cats are somehow bad luck, it’s heartening to see so many Brits would happily adopt one into their home.
“We believe that every cat deserves a loving home and should be appreciated for the wonderful pets they are, regardless of the colour of their fur”.
| BRITS’ BIGGEST SUPERSTITIONS | |
| Refuse to walk under ladders | 32% |
| Worry about a broken a mirror | 31% |
| Cross fingers for good luck | 30% |
| Touch wood for good outcome | 30% |
| Feel lucky if found a four-leaf clover | 25% |
| Worry if black cat crosses path | 24% |
| Won’t open an umbrella indoors | 23% |
| Salute a magpie | 21% |
| Feel lucky if found a penny | 21% |
| Make a wish when throwing a penny in a wishing well | 20% |
| Wish on a wishbone | 17% |
| Extra cautious on Friday 13 | 16% |
| Throw salt over left shoulder to avoid bad luck | 15% |
| Don’t walk on three drain covers | 14% |
| Believe a bird’s poo landing on me brings good luck | 14% |
| Avoid cracks in the pavement | 11% |
