Rewrite the story from a different perspective such as that of the wife, the cat, a neighbor or an omniscient narrator. This activity helps students understand different points of view and the concept of the unreliable narrator. A comparison of two similar Poe works also helps illustrate the unreliable narrator, so comparing and contrasting "The Black Cat" with "The Tell-Tale Heart," where the narrator does not see his own madness, or blame alcohol for his change in perception, makes an effective essay or verbal group activity. Creating Venn circle diagrams to illustrate the overlapping similarities and differences produces a good visual representation.
Choose roles and have students act out the police interview of the narrator. Create one interview for the narrator to report his missing cat and another for after his wife's body is discovered. Illustrating the narrator's beliefs helps to contrast the point of view used in the tale and demonstrate the concept of the unreliable narrator. Students playing the narrator should base their responses on their understanding of the character. Other possibilities include journalists interviewing neighbors regarding both the startling cat image and the murder.
Have students create posters for the missing cat, describing both the physical and behavioral characteristics. Have those who can draw add drawings. Another possibility involving pictures is to illustrate the story. To avoid having inappropriately graphic results, put together a selection of images that illustrate general ideas or attitudes at various points in the story and have students select from those images.
Ask students to research superstitions and lore surrounding black cats. Have them investigate the history of the black cat's connection with bad luck and how various cultures through history have perceived black cats. This activity could lead to research, writing and discussion projects regarding students' personal superstitions. Students could also connect with pop culture references, examining how current movies, television and books use (or avoid using) black cats. For instance, although black cats have long been associated with witches, the Harry Potter books do not make such connections.