diff --git a/libcockatrice_card/libcockatrice/card/database/card_database.cpp b/libcockatrice_card/libcockatrice/card/database/card_database.cpp
index ed097ef3b..48c9669b9 100644
--- a/libcockatrice_card/libcockatrice/card/database/card_database.cpp
+++ b/libcockatrice_card/libcockatrice/card/database/card_database.cpp
@@ -319,7 +319,11 @@ void CardDatabase::swapInDatabaseData(CardDatabaseData data)
     sets = std::move(data.sets);
     formats = std::move(data.formats);
 
-    loadStatus = cards.isEmpty() ? NotLoaded : Ok;
+    // A successfully parsed card database may legitimately contain no cards.
+    // Continuumatrice starts with an intentionally empty catalogue, which is
+    // still LOADED. NotLoaded is reserved for before loading and clear().
+    // The UI uses this status to reveal its filters and empty results view.
+    loadStatus = Ok;
 
     // inform listeners that the whole database was replaced; they should
     // rebuild from the live containers in a single batch instead of reacting