The REAL Scary Truth about Black Cats

Wednesday, October 24, 2012 - 11:15am
Black Cat

Have you heard the myth that black cats are unsafe in October, in part because witches may try to adopt them for rituals? We sure have. But guess what? Top ASPCA experts agree that it’s just not true.

Unfortunately, the truth is kinda scary, too: Year-round, black cats are the least likely to get adopted in shelters across the U.S. In fact, black animals in general take more time to find homes, says Gail Buchwald, Senior Vice President of the Adoption Center.

At the ASPCA, we LOVE black kitties. (Some of our friendliest cats, like Marissa, are black—yet Marissa has waited more than nine months to find a family. What’s up with that?)

Aside from the most important reason to adopt black kitties—that they really need extra help finding homes—here are a few reasons to take home one or two:

  • Their fur won’t show on your little black dress.
  • You can tell your kids you adopted a mini panther.
  • Black cats go with everything.
  • In most cultures, black cats are a sign of good luck.
  • You already know black cats are awesome—you have one at home! If you’ve got a great black kitty, tell us about him or her in the comments. You just might persuade someone else to give these felines a little extra attention.
Tags: 
Adoption

Comments

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:04 — Gail Plitnik (Visitor)
My black kitty is the most affectionate cat I have owned. She is kind of like a dog (sorry) in that she follows me from room to room and always finds a spot near me. She is quite regular about our bedtime routine, and meows uncomfortably if I do not retire at the usual time. She waits until I get the blankets adjusted and and fluffed, then hops onto the bed and curls up on her appointed pillowcase. She does not stay all night, but leaves sometime after I am asleep. She will return if I get up in the middle of the night.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:10 — Corine (Visitor)
I adopted my black beauty last year and since then have decided to volunteer at the local cat shelter. The black cats are always the most loving and mellow of all the other 150 cats we have! He rocks!! Please consider a wonderful black addition to your family!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:11 — Laurie (Visitor)
We've had TWO black cats. Sadly, one disappeared about two years ago, but he was a GREAT cat. He was a big, long-haired cat that just loved to cuddle. The other black cat we have has a very different personality. She likes to be petted and cuddled, but on her terms. I would definately recommend adopting a black cat. They are just as friendly and loving as any other cat. Just like with people, color shouldn't matter!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:15 — Margie (Visitor)
My Miu is all black except for a tiny white spot on his belly. He is the sweetest bundle or fur. He is softer than my other cats and is easily the most laid back kitty that I have ever had. He sleeps with me every night complete with cuddles and purring.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:20 — Patricia (Visitor)
I got my first black cat in 1978, and my third one lives with me now. I have had (and still have) many other cat colors, but my black cats always have been the sweetest, most affectionate cats I have had. I will always live with a black cat (at least one!).

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:21 — Joylynn (Visitor)
I have had maybe 4 black cats. I have one now named Oliver Twist. He is 6 years old he as sweet as they come. He shares me with three sisters. I love them dearly as well.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:25 — Diane (Visitor)
I have 6 other cats and the newest is a blackcat that I took in about a year and a half ago. His name is Blackjack and he is the sweetest, most loving cat that I have ever had. He has the personality of a little dog, always following me, and loves to be snuggled. He is that way with anyone that comes over to my house. Anyone that meets him wants to take him home because they immediatly fall in love with him. I have never had a cat quite like him before.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:30 — Blackitteh Lover (Visitor)
I adopted a set of twin black cats (one female and one male from the same litter.) They are the best! The girl isn't scared of anything and will let you pet her belly for hours. She's into affection so much when you pet her she leans into it and almost falls over! The boy cat is more reserved but whenever I am sick he does not leave my side. I was on bed rest for several months and he was the only thing that kept me sane, he's such a sweetie, he sleeps on my pillow with me when my hsuband is out of town for work and dutifully goes to the foot of the bed when my husband is home. And he is super playful, all we need is one laser pointer and all of us will be entertained for hours. My husband didn't like cats until these two charmed their way into his heart. When people who don't like cats visit, they are much more likely to get a cat after spending time witb my sweeties. Twice non-cat people have adopted a cat claiming my cats were the inspiration!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:33 — Nicole (Visitor)
I have my very first cat. His name is Bagheera, after the black panther from The Jungle Book, and he fits the description perfectly! He has a 14" tail and 6.5" legs. He is long, but never measured him that way. I got him while in college. The family I got him from was threatening to drown him and his siblings of they didn't find home for them. I've never had a cat before, and just had to save him. I fell in love with him at first sight. I was battle bouts of depression, and was doing so when I got Bagheera. He helped me a lot, and still does to this day. I say and always will that "he saved me." He is my Baby Boy, and I would not hesitate to adopt another cat in the future.... and it will be a black one

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:41 — Shady Windwalker (Visitor)
This article and the comments have been very interesting, with one exception. The comment that "witches" sacrifice black cats on Hallowe'en. This is so NOT TRUE! Many witches have favourite pets, called familiars and they are bonded to each other for life. Witches have one philosophy they follow "HARM YE NONE" and that most definitely includes cats, dogs and yes, even people. Those who murder cats are either Satanists, Psychopaths, or just plain hateful beings. Happy Hallowe'en to all, and please keep your pets safely inside.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:41 — Isa (Visitor)
I dont understand how people can say that black cats are ugly or bad luck! We are not in the witch hunting age! We have this beautiful and sweet cat named Lucky and he is the best. He belonged to my husband when he was single and now Lucky belongs to me too. He loves to sleep between us (more on my side) and he loves to wake me up by walking on my back! Cats and dogs are awesome...No matter their colors or breeds.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:46 — Sharon Armbrust (Visitor)
Dog food is NOT good for a kitten since it lacks some of the nutrients that a growing kitten needs, especially Taurine.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:48 — Taylor (Visitor)
My Lucy is a female black short hair and the best little friend. When I meet someone that claims to not be a "cat-person," I introduce them to Lucy and their minds are quickly changed because she's so loving and lots of fun. She is known for giving excellent hugs and cuddling in bed at night.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 15:59 — crystal (Visitor)
Adopted my boo's Sylvester and baby kitty and I love them to death :) She always cuddles next to me and he gives me love every day. They are the best thing that has happened to me, everyone in my complex who sees them thinks they are the cutest thing (which I cant deny). Again just because they are black doesnt mean a darn thing, they need love all the same.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:05 — MW (Visitor)
Mr.McGee is big and black he is also going to be 16 on Halloween. He shows no signs of stopping and one of the nicest guys I know. Everyone should have a black cat.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:07 — shelly (Visitor)
Coco and Coco.... what better name than Coco for a Black Cat?! I am on my second black cat... they were not chosen, one was born in my back yard, and other someone couldn't keep in their apartment (find out if you can have a cat - or a dog before taking home).. so I have had both. Each cat were indoor pets. One lasted 12 years. The other is now 5. Nothing spooky about a black cat... this one is more loving than my golden or the gray. Both have been long hair... they learn to be combed at an early age so they would just lay there and enjoy being combed. Their yellow eyes are pleasant to look at. I have triped over them as I may walk in the dark.. they blend into the dark. They are a joy to have... ALL CATS are a joy to have. Pets are a product of the owner.... calm ...the pet is calm.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:11 — Barbara (Visitor)
My cat Jarvis spent almost a year in a Boston shelter, where he was loved for his warm and caring personality. Being a black and senior cat he faced many obstacles in being adopted. After spending years on the street and being abandoned by several previous owners, we met and he stole my heart. I realized the shlter was right about him: he does not have a single bad bone in his body. We have now been together for almost two years. He has been with me through thick and thin and he now enjoys a warm bed and several visits to the cat salon during the year. Despite his many hardships, he loves everyone and everything unconditionally. Jarvis is my pride and joy and I will always be grateful he came into my life.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:12 — Deborah (Visitor)
When I was 6 years old someone dumped a litter of kittens by our house and my parents let us take them in and raise them. I chose the little black one and named him Makabochi, he was beautiful, as he grew his blue kitten eyes turned to bright yellow. He was loving and playful and a much needed companion for a lonely little girl.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:14 — Ralph Porcell (Visitor)
I once had a black cat just show up on my porch. It had been a long time since I had been exposed to cats. As a younger man I was very allergic to cats so I mostly kept my distance from them. The cat was a very young female. She was very little … tiny even and skinny too. Of course I felt for her and went inside to find her something to eat and drink. And that was how we started out being best buddies. From that day on until the day she died in my arms at home safe from old age … we were the best of friends. She turned out to be a great little cat. For some reason I was not allergic to her. Some people said she might have been one of those cats that are hypoallergenic. Maybe … I don’t know. What I do know is that if that was true … then it was a stroke of luck that she showed up on my porch. I miss my kitty girls very much and losing her was very painful. However, I would never trade the experience. She lived inside my home with me and outside in my yard. We had 10 years of fun, love and great laughs. She was loving, kind, affectionate and a riot. There is something about the love of a cat that is different than the love of most common pets. Cats give their love out because they want to, not to please you. To be loved by just a creature is an honor. Black cats perhaps due to them looking like tiny panthers are even more fascinating. In memory of my (Too-Doos).

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:18 — leslie welles (Visitor)
My little black kitty boy "Gable" was not only a deeply affectionate kitty, he was a bit of a clown-boy - Friends of mine said that Gable was the funniest cat they'd every known. He was also very protective of me and if I was burning the candle at both ends for too long, he would lie on top of me and push me down, physically, so that I would get rest - he was a great nurse, he came when I called, and he loved to eatand was not finicky - Gable lived 15 years and a was a source of great joy in my household. I highly recommend black kitties. I also recommend gray kitties, tabby-striped kitties and kitties of all varieties.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:18 — Teresa (Visitor)
I love my black cat!!!! He's the sweetest, handsomest and just greatest cat ever. He loves to cuddle and play. All of my cats have been black ( we did not do that purposefully). Black cats are no different from other cats

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:26 — Lauren&Patrick (Visitor)
We have an 8 year old gorgeous rescue called Luci. He is the king of our feline family. Luci is highly intelligent and extremely affectionate. Every morning he leaps up onto the kitchen counter to greet me by rubbing his face into mine. When my husband comes home from work Luci is always ready to give his dad lots of love. He also looks after our other cats, takes care of the occasional spider and always comes when I call his name. If there is anything 'supernatural' about 'black cats' is their ability to sense when any of us (cats or humans) aren't feeling our best. He has stayed with us during a bad case of the flu and watched over our youngest cat after he was neutered. Luci never ceases to amaze us! The stigma attached to Black Cats is a tragity. I'm glad that ASPCA is working to bring attention to all the myths surrounding black cats. We thank you very much as does Luci !!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:32 — Erika L (Visitor)
We adopted our beautiful Mona Lisa from our local shelter on Mother's Day. She was shy at first but fits right in now with our family which includes kids and a dog. She is so loving and is always ready to curl up next at the end of the day. She makes our family complete!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:37 — Eileen Glaser (Visitor)
I rescued a backyard Black Kitty that had been surviving by eating the wild birds that I also feed at my bird feeder. He is all black except for a white spot at the very tip of his tail. I call him "Tyler". Tyler is now a TNR kitty and as he becomes more socialized will without any doubt end up living inside my home and sleeping on my bed. He's sweet and precious and takes walks outside with my Black Rescue Dog and myself. I plan to put him in a safe and snuggly bed inside my garage (or home) over Halloween. I am taking no chances with idiots! - concerning his safety!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 16:37 — Jill (Visitor)
At first I only saw an occasional black blur, running under my deck. I thought he was somebody's cat in the neighborhood, just out roaming around. But as winter (a Wisconsin winter with its snow and brutal cold) set in and the black blur became a constant resident under my deck I knew he was homeless. So I fed him and named him Decker. As the snow piled higher and the temps kept dropping I worried about our little black shadow. Finally one day Decker decided that he had enough and sat outside my glass sliding door padding his cracked and bloodied paws until we opened the door and made him cat #3. He is the official greeter and talks to everyone who enters...and no one can resist his black cat charms!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 17:03 — David Rigsbee (Visitor)
We have three black cats and one callico and all are very special with very unique personalities. Li Lu is our last rescue who only has three and a half legs. She had a birth defect and was initially rescued by a group at one of the local universities. She is the sweetest most laid back animal we've ever had; isn't demanding, but loves a cuddle none the less. Each of our animals, four cats, three yellow labs (ten legs amoung them), and four horses are all rescues and I belive we are the luckly ones to have their trust and affection.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 17:07 — B. (Visitor)
I have a-year-old black cat, who we adopted when he was a kitten. He's sweet and adorable. I love him very much and I think he's lovable.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 17:49 — k (Visitor)
I never liked cats at all until a little black cat named Deanna changed my mind. She was one of the sweetest, cutest animals I ever met.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 17:59 — tina agostino (Visitor)
I have a 18 month old black cat named Diamond and he is awesome !!!. Hes very affectionate and loves to snuggle up at night and play all day. I wouldnt trade him for anything

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 18:09 — Bridget Cipollini (Visitor)
Black cats are awesome. My sister had an incredibly friendly black cat named Oscar who lived for almost 19 years. Kitty was my first black cat, and Peter is my second. I believe it's true that black cats are less likely to get adopted. Let me tell you...Peter was in the bottom cage at a rescue adoption event, and not a soul paid attention to him. They all were looking at the other cats and kittens. I decided to check him out. He immediately clung to me for dear life and looked straight at me with his big eyes just begging me to take him. He is the sweetest, most devoted cat ever. People have even commented that he acts like a dog the way he greets us, follows us around, and comes when we call him. Black cats are truly wonderful creatures in my experience - and yes - they go with everything!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 18:09 — Roxanne (Visitor)
I only adopt black cats! It breaks my heart when I visit a shelter and see they are the last ( if they are lucky) to be adopted. It is so sad to see and hear how people can be so prejudice, and still be ruled by ignorance and superstitions! I have told my family and friends how difficult it is for black cats to be adopted and they are shocked. Anyone who meets my cats, can see how lovable and sweet they are and their hearts go out to them. I am proud to say I have converted would be adopters, to black cat owners!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 18:12 — Dan Faulkner (Visitor)
They're also more difficult for larger predators to see at night. Prescott,AZ

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 18:20 — Theresa (Visitor)
I found Mink two years ago a block from by house. He is the sweetest,most wonderful cat. We all love him. I never thought I would love a black cat. He really changed my way of thinking.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 18:26 — Mary Ann (Visitor)
I love this cat so much that when she got sick almost three years ago, I spent $3,000 for her tests and surgery to get her well. I put it on my credit card and am still paying it off! I don't even spend that much on myself! lol! I had to force feed her, and administer fluids with a hanging saline bag and needle under the skin. Even while sick, she was a maniac. :) But you know what? She was worth every penny. Every time I see her enjoying life, enjoying herself and enjoying me, I know I did the right thing. I've never once questioned my decision. She's my baby!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 18:26 — salle huber (Visitor)
I have two beautiful, loving and playful cats who are all black...they were born on my 40th birthday at the shelter and came to live with us a few days later with their mom and litter mates. We fostered them until they were old enough to go back to the shelter. Three of the kitties were adopted right away, but the littlest...sasha...was failing. Afraid she wouldn't make it, they asked us to "refoster" sasha and her sister for a bit more. Well, they returned to us on Christmas Eve where we hand fed them milk under the Christmas tree. No way were they every going back! Nine years later (am I really that much older?) the girls are a dream!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 18:29 — Karen (Visitor)
I adopted my sweet little Jane (a small black cat) about two years ago. I wanted a kitty companion for my white cat, Mythia. I heard that black cats were hard to find homes for, so I looked for one. Jane is the sweetest most loving and considerate cat I've ever known. She's a licker and is so tender and loving. She is also very considerate of her needle sharp claws, always being careful not to scratch accidently. I love her so much and am so very glad I decided to choose a black cat. It's true about the hair showing up on clothes and furniture....it just doesn't show, unlike my white cat (ugh, that's a nightmare.) I will always have at least one black cat.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 19:06 — claudia (Visitor)
I have four and my mom has three.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 19:19 — lori (Visitor)
I have a beautiful green eyed black cat whose name is shadow. She was born on my livingroom couch on halloween six years ago. she is very sweet we all love her. Happy birthday shadow

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 19:24 — Diana Sanchez (Visitor)
I have a black stray cat that is pretty much awesome!! He is so full of love and loves to be petted all the time. If I were to have dogs that were cat friendly this kitty would be indoors in our home!!!I love his black fur and his big green eyes!!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 19:30 — Mike Gordon (Visitor)
I don't know what it is about black cats but they always seem to be a little smarter than other cats (no offense to our other six cats). Felix, our 3 year old black cat just took over when he got here. If we have guests over and Felix doesn't feel he's getting talked about enough, he'll climb up on my shoulders to put himself at the same level as the humans.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 19:33 — shelley (Visitor)
black cats have the most amazing personalities .. sitting next to one now .. with huge, emerald green eyes .. best cats ever!! My magoo is a sweet heart and i am lucky that i rescued him .. he rescues me every day!!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 19:35 — kathryn denise (Visitor)
i have a black and white tuxedo adopted from my local shelter and i never know what the day will bring. he gets a pitiful look on his face, just like a dog, when he's hungry or wants cuddle time in a lap. i have a small black cat that i got from a friend and she has taught me a lot of patience. getting angry doesn't help and i have learned to not get angry with my pets and they do alot better. my third cat is a gray and white cat who has had her share of problems and they get dealt with in the proper manner. all three have their own personalities and i have to change modes depending on the cat so they all know they are wanted and loved. my black, black and white, gray and white have been the best thing. it doesn't matter what their colors are, what's important is they know they are loved and wanted. everything else will follow. they have definitely been a blessing for me.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 19:37 — Cheryl-Anne (Visitor)
I have had black cats my entire life, and they are the sweetest things! People used to call me "the witch lady," because I've had so many. ha ha (No, I am not a witch!) But, I have to say, in my parents' neighborhood, we DID have problems with "rituals" with cats, especially around Halloween. Therefore, all my black kitties (as well as my others) are strictly indoor cats now.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 21:21 — Mary (Visitor)
Halloween does tend to bring some of the craziest people. All our cats are indoors cats, but we do let our biggest (he's not fat just big size-wise) cat Socks go out in the backyard and he knows that if he climbs the fence and leave the yard that he'll loose his outdoor privelages. Though we always make sure he comes in at night and when we have to go out somewhere and check on him occassionally when he's out there. Around Halloween I always worry about the cats and other animals around us that someone could pull a cruel prank on.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 19:45 — Trish Oldani (Visitor)
I have a 8 yr old black cat named Boots. He is awsome!!! I got him as a baby and raised him. He has a great personality, but everything has to be on HIS terms! He is loveable, loves to play and loves to eat! He is my best friend. I have always had cats in my life and am thinking of adopting another one so "Boots" will have a playmate. He is my child and I love him.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 20:10 — Chris Sumner (Visitor)
I have a black kitty here at my house. She is my daughter's "baby" and she was a runt! Her name is Runtness.- and now- she's large and in charge!! she has given devoted love to our whole family now for the last 4 years.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 20:11 — j9 (Visitor)
I fostered a group of kittens this summer... and the black kitten stole my heart and I have adopted him( I'm a failed foster according to my vet :) ). He is the absolute sweetest kitten I've ever had... ragdoll sweet.Volunteering at the shelter, I know that black cats spend on average an additional 10 days in the shelter compared to other cats. Very sad, as every one says they are the nicest sweetest cats. AND IT's SOOOO true.

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 20:18 — Karen D. Morgan (Visitor)
I have a beautiful, loving black cat named Blackie..He adopted ME about eleven years ago when he was a stray!! My family and i love him very much Great cat!!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 20:29 — Sue Pagels (Visitor)
I love me some black cats! Our very first cat (which we found skinny and starving) was black, which led to another tuxedo cat, which led to yet another black cat. They are adorable and loving! Never thought I would adore cats to much, let alone black ones!

Fri, 10/26/2012 - 20:35 — Marty Bowman (Visitor)
I love black cats. I have had several. My boyfriend had some cats come to his house & have kittens. I took all 3 black females. I gave them all Egyptian names, King Tut, Isis & Bastet. What a joy. They are all so great. I am always looking for more black cats. They are so loving.

Pages

Post new comment