Black is the New Cat
It’s time to celebrate
Black Cat Appreciation Day.
I know, I know. Another pet related day to celebrate on the calendar. Yet, Black Cat Appreciation Day on November 16 is truly something to celebrate.
Sadly, black cats (and dogs) are far less likely to be adopted from shelters than cats of any other fur colors or combinations. That means the euthanization rate is much higher. Even if everyone knows that black cats aren’t witches’ familiars or minions of hell, there remains an underlying belief that they are unlucky. As a result, black cats tend to be overlooked no matter how beautiful they are or engaging their personalities.
As far as superstitions go, it depends on which side of the Atlantic you live. Black cats are supposed to be unlucky in the U.S; however, across the ocean, the English consider them a sign of good luck. Since anyone who understands even the rudiments of science knows a negative and a positive cancel each other out, we should just let black cats be…well…cats. The superstitious can stick to not walking under ladders or wearing their lucky shirt.
Unfortunately, many people perpetuate the myths about black cats without realizing it. After all, every October we adorn out homes with Halloween paraphernalia and witches and black cats are an integral part of the decorations. Frankly, when it comes to decorating, I think its time to stick to pumpkins. If you really want to bring cats into the picture, consider putting them in a costume. (Shark cat on a Roomba anyone?) You could also turn your pumpkins into Grumpkins, courtesy of the Grumpy Cat carving stencil that came out this year.
Thankfully, animal shelters and rescues refuse to adopt out black cats (and dogs) in October to protect them from falling into the wrong hands. Black Cat Appreciation Day is held the following month to give pet lovers the opportunity to adopt a new friend who is black and beautiful.
There’s no question that living with a black cat is like living with a miniature black panther in your home, especially when he or she is blessed with gorgeous gold eyes.
It is time to stop judging pets by their color and look at them for their personality and innate characteristics.
It is also time to adopt a more European outlook. If a black cat crosses your path, it’is a sign of good luck. You can make that happen every day by bringing a black kitty into your home.
Please Tweet and post positive Facebook messages about black cats on November 16 and dispel the myths associated with these gorgeous creatures. It is no longer the Middle Ages people; time to move on.
About the Author: Sandy Robins is the 2013 winner of the “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contribution to the Pet Industry Award.” Her work appears on many of the country’s leading pet platforms, such as MSNBC.com, MSN.com and TODAYShow.com. She is a regular contributor and columnist in multiple national and international publications, including Cat Fancy, as well as the author of the award-winning books “Fabulous Felines: Health and Beauty Secrets for the Pampered Cat” and “For The Love of Cats.” Learn more about Sandy on her website or Facebook page. #welovecats
We adopted our black cat, Lily, just two years ago–or we should say she has adopted us!
She gives us much pleasure–loves to cuddle up with my husband and has him tagged as a soft touch for food and treats.
Old post, but if I found it someone else is likely to…
The black cats of which the author writes are the Bombay variety. They have the piercing gold eyes and gloss black coats. They are a human-bred variety dating back about a 1/2 century and are usually very different animals than a standard black DHS (domestic short hair), which usually have green eyes. Bombays are a bit on the smaller side, usually weighing in under or at about 10 lbs for a female, Besides their striking beauty, their personalities are very unique. They are usually alphas and not always keen on sharing the house with another cat unless they are raised as litter mates and kept together. Rather, they are very human-centered in their social behavior. Not lap cats by any stretch but they do want to be nearby and engaged, keeping an eye on what you are doing, preferring to lie or sleep somewhere in the same room when you’re working at the computer, watching TV, or cooking dinner. Insatiably curious and quite fearless. And above all, highly intelligent. There is a lot going on behind those soulful eyes. One stare and you know.
Any cat lover looking to adopt a new cat should consider a Bombay. Go visit your local shelter or rescue. Google “Bombay cat adoptions”. Once you meet one you won’t be able to turn away. Forever in its spell you will be.
p.s. but watch out for those full moons. This is no urban myth.
I don’t think breeding cats for sale is a fare thing to do while sooooooo many cats are living in shelters. Yes, you can impress yourself and the people you know, it just doesn’t seem right. To pay a lot of money for a certain look or quality. Not to me at least.
I have 3 adorable black kidtens!! They all have amazing personalities and are special in their own way. Couldn’t imagine not adopting them. One with gold eyes. One with yellow eyes. And one with green eyes. I love my miniature black panthers!
I adopted a stray black cat with green eyes, he was and still is scared of most strangest things like brooms , He is 18 now and have been a pure sweet freind of my. I have trained him to do few dog like tricks ,he is very intelligent compare to other cats. Can be trained to do or not to do almost anything. All these years and I can say taking him in was one of the best thing happened in my life. That is love and affection, companionship and cuddling , what more can I add? Black cats? The cat is so much more than his coat.