Yes, it's only some countries, not others; and it has jumped to the people of European descent in the US, others as well, sadly. Terrible things, superstitions. Time to do away with them!
I have 3 cats-one,a Tuxedo cat,(Ninja)his sister-Grey long hair,(Stratus)and their mom-A Tortiseshell colored(Jasmine)....all very sweet cats.
I'm guessing since there was once a little black cat(Boo,Sweet little cat that belonged to a neighbor who had since moved away)
In our area,that might be Ninja's dad(the Tuxedo cat)
When we(My ex & I)found Jasmine in our yard,it was spring 4 yrs ago(Barely,it was still cold out)
Took her in that night,Decided to keep her-No collar,tags,figured she was just left by someone(Fine by me,I'll kill to keep her safe,The little ones too)not to say I wouldn't pass up the chance to spinning discus punch the former "owners" for leaving her out in the cold and-unknown to us-pregnant at the time.
But it's been a blessing for us-Even after the breakup (she talks to them nightly)They keep me sane and are my favorite reasons for staying home on cold nights.
Re:Black cats,they should be adopted just as much as other ones,And there should be an actual mandatory law for No-Kill shelters across the boards.
As for the superstitious types,Get out the pitchforks and torches and Chase those 'Civilized folk' around for a few hrs till they get the hint.