For centuries, black cats have often been considered omens of bad luck, especially in medieval Europe, where they were associated with witches and witchcraft. This stigma has persisted into modern times, causing black cats to be frequently overlooked in shelters.
However, the animated film Flow has drastically shifted this perception, leading to a surge in black cat adoptions across the world.
"Flow": A Silent Masterpiece
Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, Flow is an independent Latvian film that follows the journey of a black cat struggling to survive in a world devastated by a massive flood. With stunning visuals and a powerful sound design, the film captivates audiences despite having no dialogue.
After premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Flow achieved remarkable success, winning the Best Animated Feature category at the 2025 Oscars, making it the first independent Latvian film to receive such a prestigious award.
Beyond the Oscars, Flow also triumphed at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, securing the award for Best Motion Picture – Animated, surpassing major studio productions from Disney and DreamWorks.
Currently, the film is available on multiple streaming platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango At Home, allowing audiences worldwide, including in Indonesia, to experience its magic.
Black Cat Adoption Rises with Flow
The cultural impact of Flow has been profound, especially in its home country, Latvia. As a tribute to the film, a massive mural of a black cat now adorns a building in the capital city, Riga, attracting many tourists.
Beyond this, a new phenomenon has emerged—more people are showing interest in adopting black cats resembling the main character of Flow. Animal shelters have even started using the term "Flow Type" to describe black cats with distinct features, further increasing public interest in them.
The Animal Protection Association (APA) has reported a 30% rise in black cat adoptions since the film gained popularity. Many new pet owners have even chosen to name their black cats "Flow" as a tribute to the film that inspired them.
A Brighter Future for Black Cats
While this trend has had a positive impact, cat lovers hope that Flow’s influence will not be temporary. With growing awareness, they aim to break the long-standing superstitions that have made black cats less desirable.
The ultimate hope is that black cats will be more widely accepted and appreciated, finding loving homes just like any other cats.
