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

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 09:19 — Richelle-lee Urban (Visitor)
I love my black cats, they are more loving and friendly then the other cats I have had. They like to play hide and seek, and to pop out of no where! The kitty I have now is a female name spook and she is the sweetest thing ever. I have also noticed black cats are more of a cuddling type not the type that twist and turn when you try and lay with them. I have a German Shepherd the size of a great Dane named Cuddles and they get along amazingly even though she does not know him well, they still play together and they both sleep with me on my bed it's so cute!!! Black cats should be in every house hold they are good with kids too. It's upsetting people don't like them as much, if I could I would adopt them all but I don't wanna become the black cat lady!! But in the future when I have my own home and family, I'll adopt two maybe three black kitties I love them soo much <3

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 10:15 — Gail Rockwood (Visitor)
My daughter picked out a little black kitty many years back. She named her Quack-a-Doodle. I told her that was a silly name and she would have to tell the vet what her name was--the vet smiled and said that was a fine name and he got tired of having so many Smokeys and Blackies around. Well Quacky was a miraculous cat who became a loving, steadfast companion and caretaker to her mistress who fought and eventually lost her battle with mental illness and substance abuse two years after Quack-a-doodle died. Somehow the fight to stay alive without her solid black angel present just disappeared. Her ashes are co-mingled with Quacky's and scattered together for eternity.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 10:18 — Jamie Risedorph (Visitor)
Our black cat Polonius Monk was adopted from a shelter with his tuxedo cat brother Bogart. They are as different as night and day! Bogart is a little clown who palys all the time. Monk is a HUGE panther cat who puts much thought into everything he does. He has the softest fur in the universe and has a hundred different vocalizations that he uses to express his hunger,his affection and other moods. I did notice more adult black cats at the shelter and found it sad. Adopt your black cat today!

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 10:31 — Sandy Seltenright (Visitor)
We had a black cat for 18 years, my Inky was beautiful with his long silky hair and very loving, my boys were small at the time and they could do just about anything with him, even dress him up in a jersey. He was such a good boy and I truly miss him now that he is gone but he had a wonderful life with us. He was our BOO BOO Kitty a fitting nickname for him.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 10:47 — Bonnie (Visitor)
We adopted two black kittens that showed up on our doorstep 7 years ago. All we had to do was feed them, provide a litter box and some love. They are a great joy and comfort to us. They talk to us all the time, sleep at the foot of our bed love to be petted and brushed. One even talks on the phone.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 10:58 — Barbara McLean-... (Visitor)
To months ago I openned my front door and there was a small black on my porch. I chased it away because my 15 yr. old cat was trying to get in the house. So to make a long story short this cat came to our house everyday for a week. Walked on the ledge to our bedroom window and cried to get in. I put it in a carrier and proceeded to find a no kill shelter for it. We already have 2 cats and my husband did not want another one. Could not find a place for her. Now we have 3 cats. We call her Little Black Cat, and she is the most loving cat. We are so happy she adopted us.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 11:41 — lisa kennedy-cox (Visitor)
All I can say, is that I LOVE black cats. I love all cats, but am partial to black (and orange) cats. Our black cat Webster is super sweet and very fresh. He is also very handsome and looks very much like a panther. I think black cats are amazing!! Happy Halloween!

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 12:22 — Sharon Waz (Visitor)
As an adult I wanted to have a Begal cat because of how beautiful their colors are. I had a tuxedo cat named Sugar as a teenager and he was my best buddy through some trying years. My boyfriend wanted to surprise me and picked up 2 free kittens the last of the litter, sisters,, both black and asked me to choose one! Nine years later Nikita & Niobe are there to met me at the door, tell me when it's time to wake up on the weekends;) and make me laugh and enjoy the moment. Nikita is like a dog. She will follow me while doing anything if she is awake;). She is very inquisitive and talks a lot. Niobe sleeps more, enjoys taking sun baths and is bit of a scare Dee or afraid Dee cat. She jumps 6" at the smallest thing, she is so funny. Some days are very busy for me and they are very understanding and self sufficient. If you believe black cats are bad luck, and two negatives make a positive, then I believe that I have found double the luck with La Femme Nikita and Captain Niobe.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 12:22 — Jennifer Gage (Visitor)
Every black cat I've rescued and had as a companion has been extremely friendly, talkative and loving. They are so worthy of adoption and just sleek, beautiful creatures.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 12:25 — Karen (Visitor)
I have always loved the look of black cats, so when I finally could get one I picked black. He is a big ol' baby and I just love him to death. They are just as friendly as any other color cat, and they do look so sleek and panther-like, skulking around the house :)

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 12:30 — Susan Myers (Visitor)
Let me introduce you to Columbo. Yes, he is naned after the TV detective. Aren't all cats detectives at heart? Columbo had a rough start but he was the hero for his siblings. He and his brothers and sisters were thrown in bag from a moving vehicle on inerstate 40 outside of Flagstaff, AZ. The people in a car traveling in the same direction saw this, saw the bag was moving, stopped and found the kittens, who were estimated to be 2-3 weeks old. The only kitten who was injured was Columbo. He took the impact full on the left side of his face. While they bottle feeding him they feared he would loose his left eye. It has always looked up and to the left. He is now 16 years old and slowing down, sleeping abit longer, but I would not trade my black cat for any other kitty. We have two other rescue kittys as well.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 12:40 — Amanda (Visitor)
I have to black cats that I rescued. One is all black and the other is black with 3 white spots on him. The other one is all black. I love my cats. They seem more laid back then other cats. They are so sweet.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 14:16 — Tim (Visitor)
When we went to the shelter to get a companion for our cat, a white and gray kitten immediately won us over. But then we saw he had a brother kitten, all black, really very scruffy and kind of odd looking; he was about the 18th cutest kitten at the shelter (if you know what I mean)! But the brothers loved each other and they played and wrestled and then feel asleep in each other's arms, so we couldn't break them up -- we took both! Well, that was 5 years ago. JerryBear grew up to be a gorgeous, super sleek black care-bear who is amazingly loyal, sweet and friendly. And so smart: he chases and fetches balls up and down the stairs and (most folks don't believe this) when you roll the ball to him, he bats the ball right back to you. Repeatedly. We recall frequently why we took him in the first place and we are sooooo glad we did.... And JerryBear still plays, wrestles, and falls asleep with his brother (who is also awesome, by the way).

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 16:54 — Brenda (Visitor)
I have a beautiful black cat that is feral and also missing part of her back left leg. I am so thankful that she is now a part of my life. She is the sweetest cat that I have ever had the privilege of being part of my life.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 17:16 — Fran Smith (Visitor)
When he was a mere three weeks old, our beautiful black Manx was tossed from the "nest" by his Siamese mother (a very young cat, didn't know about parenting skills). He came into our home because my husband couldn't bear to hear another tiny weak meow in our garage and took me in there to find the kitten. It was love at first sight! We adopted our darling Manx, Ebony, and have never regretted doing so. He is loving but not a lap cat, he is vocal but always polite about it, and he protects his also-tossed-out sister who is a Tabby. I would have no qualms about adopting a black cat. They are sleek, shiny and beautiful and do not deserve any designations as "evil."

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 17:47 — jessica (Visitor)
i have the most wonderful loving black cat. I love my beautiful buttercup i can't imagine her not being part of our family, she is super sweet. people are just plain stupid to think they are bad luck when in fact is the other way around.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 18:54 — Gwen (Visitor)
I adopted my 2 black cats, Marley and her brother Midnight, in July 2011. I first brought them into my home as a foster pet owner in June of 2011 when they were 2 months old. Midnight was sick and I had to put drops in his eyes and other medicine down his throat a few times a day. Marley was healthy. When I took them back to the SPCA in July to be spayed and neutered, I was asked if I knew anyone who wanted to adopt them. I thought they were going to be taken back so I immediately said I was going to adopt them because I couldn't see them with anyone else except me. Marley is very laid back and Midnight runs the house. Adopting these two wonderful kitties was one of the best decisions I've ever made. They're both spoiled rotten and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 20:53 — Stacey (Visitor)
We adopted a solid black kitty with beautiful golden-green eyes back in January of 2012. We named him "Jett" and he is hands-down the sweetest, cuddliest kitty we have ever had! He was fostered at a local vet clinic before we gave him his forever home. At the clinic he could be found perched on the shoulder of one of the front desk staff. To this day, Jett jumps up onto my bathroom counter every morning then proceeds to leap up onto my shoulders as I brush my teeth and move about my house. We lovingly refer to him as "Jetty-Boo" in honor of his special month, October. We LOVE our little solid black kitty through and through!!! Adopt one today and share the LOVE!!!

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 22:02 — Stephanie (Visitor)
My boyfriend and I have fed a stray male black cat since October 2009 or 2010 and took a female one in last October. Color has nothing to do with personality and people should really give these beauties a chance.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 22:28 — Cathy Selig (Visitor)
My black cat, Bella, was a true godsend. I fostered her and her brother as kittens and after he passed away from a virus after only a couple of weeks, I knew I had to adopt Bella. Although in truth, I think she decided from day one that she was going to stay. :) She is the sweetest little girl and to this day (almost 3 years later) she still sleeps with me every night. I don't know if she got lucky finding me or if I got lucky finding her, but either way I could not imagine my life without her.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 23:43 — Rachel (Visitor)
Black cats are the most unique and lovable! I have 6 currently, I would know! :)

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 02:29 — Courtney (Visitor)
My first pet was a black kitten with white spots on his toes and one under his neck. He claimed me and was my best friend for years. He was playful and some how always knew when i needed comfort. He would come in from outside and lick my tears up and make me laugh. Ive had many cats since but ill never be able to forget or replace my patches.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 05:25 — Crystal Rutledge (Visitor)
It was 9 month's since i had lost my cat. Went on vacation, tried to keep myself busy, but my life was missing something. "A CAT" I went to my local Pet Co, to see the cat's they had up for adoption. I was looking for a female cat. Well I found her but she grew up with another cat and they could not be seperated. Well I ended up adopting both... Both cat's are black.... My Midnight is a male cat who will talk your ear off. And every thing he does is on his terms. And then there is my Sable, a female female cat. She's my baby and is always by my side. Black cat's are mysterious felines.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 08:48 — D. Wille (Visitor)
After my first black cat, Minnie, I will never be without at least one black cat in my household. She was the sweetest, kindest little cat. I have found that to be true with every black cat I've had live with me since. Unfortunately, I can't say that about every calico I'vd had! Even the staff at my vet office confirms that the black cats are the easiest to handle and treat and are the most enjoyable to have board there. They're also so beautiful with their shiny black coat and brilliant colored eyes. If you're thinking of adopting please give one a chance.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 08:55 — Carl Klein (Visitor)
I cannot begin to tell you what joy our two black cats have given my wife and myself. We have two, a large male and his soul mate a small female. Our big man "kitty" was very lonely when we first got him.After we received his pal "baby" who was a shelter cat from Kentucky, things changed. They sleep together in the basket, run, play, do everything together. We love them both very much

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 08:57 — Carol Brogan (Visitor)
I just read about black cats. I have 3 of them. All of them were strays. They are the funniest of all. My black Manx, Stubby, is my furry alarm clock. He wakes me every morning. Bitty and KC, the other two are just as sweet and funny.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 11:38 — Ridwaana Allen (Visitor)
I have always had black cats. Not on purpose; it just worked out that way. My latest is a black tabby named Abu. She's my little princess and everything a feline lover like myself could hope for. She has so much personality! She lets me know when she wants me to lift up the blanket or when she wants me to change her litter. I didn't pick her, she picked me! She's a blessing and she brings so much joy to my life. Everyone should have a cat and/or dog friend! They're awesome!

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 11:44 — Cierra (Visitor)
I have a beautiful black kitty that I love so much. When we had our baby how she would react but they became fast friends.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 11:54 — Barbara (Visitor)
My favorites are black kitties, for the fore-mentioned reasons and more: they're gorgeous! My first was Jazz, the love of my life and the sweetest guy ever. When he passed away four years ago I adopted Nicky (aka: Pumpernickel), another black kitty who got overlooked due to his shyness and hip laxity. He is the best guy ever and so beautiful, just needed a chance. Please, get yourself a couple of black cats, you won't regret it:)

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 12:13 — Carol (Visitor)
I had a darling long haired black cat named Ninja. He was a wild thing as a baby but ended up being one of the most loving cats we have had. Black cats are beautiful, Ninja had deep green eyes and a plume of a tail. I think black cats are some of the most beautiful cats there are and would adopt one in a second.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 12:55 — Mimi (Visitor)
We love are two black cats, along with our two 3 legged females and one crazy, goofy, orange cat that came here from Yemen.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 13:01 — Jaime Perez (Visitor)
My son and I have 3 back cats (among others) and they are wonderful. They are sleek, shiny and beautiful. There is nothing wrong with a black cat, so go get yourself one or two! lol

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 13:51 — Maureen Collins (Visitor)
I've had at least 4 black cats living with me, often 5..they are just the best..all have been rescued, Katrina from Slidell when I was helping with the Hurricane..the best part having them, is you can easily see their hair on anything so clean up is super easy!

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 14:08 — Diane (Visitor)
I've had nothing but black cats most of my adult life. I lost my last black cat in a house fire. He was 12 and one of the best cats I have ever had. I was living with my mother, and at first, she didn't want to have a cat because she didn't like the way they rub up against you. Well, Alfie was not that kind of cat, very independent, but so loveable. He won my mother's heart. When she retired, I wouold come home to see him sitting in her lap. If you don't have a cat or kitten now, please adopt a black one, you 'll never be sorry.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 15:54 — Renita (Visitor)
Our black cat is so loving.I can't imagine anyone not loving them.He loves our Chocolate Lab so much.He sits beside him when we are eating and mimics him.He only likes his Kitty food.We think he is trying to help out our lab begging for food and it works too.LOL.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 15:58 — Selena (Visitor)
I have a black cat named Tsuki. She's beautiful and super friendly. I have six cats and out of all of them, she is the first one to greet people once they come inside the house. She also loves attention and is just the sweetest and cutest cat. Of all cats, black cats are my favorites. They are spooky looking yet very elegant and prove that cats make great pets. So far, everyone who has come to my house has fallen in love with her even if they originally didn't like cats.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 16:11 — Janice (Visitor)
My Lady was black. I lost her to kidney disease and it absolutely broke our and our vet and his staff hearts. Lady was the most affectionate and loyal kitty I ever had. She knew when I did not feel well, and would curl up next to me and meow. It was like she was saying I am here, I will keep you company. She was also my little alarm clock. How she knew, I will never know, when I needed to get up. She would always poke me until I woke up, and a few minutes before the alarm clock went off. We communicated with each other. She was sooooo aswesome. Please adopt black kitties. You will not be sorry. They are just like other kitties, except they are black. They are so beautiful as well.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 16:35 — Robin (Visitor)
I adopted Sabrina 2 years ago as a kitten. Full of energy and mischief = a real sweet heart

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 16:37 — Mary (Visitor)
I had a cat named Prissy for over 12 years. She found me by just walking into my office one day. I took her home and there she stayed. She was very loyal, staying right by my side when I would get sick. Loved attention and was a perfect lap cat. I would feed her and would have to stay right beside her until she started eating...lol...never figured that one out. Never used a litter box, she would go outside and then come right back in when finished. I loved her and still miss her after all these years that she has been gone. She was truely a member of our family in every way. She always slept with me and was always waiting for me when I came home from work...maybe she thought she was a dog? LOL

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 17:26 — Ms. Elisse Dian... (Visitor)
I was adopted by, and have been, the Animal Guardian of at least three black cats. They were highly intelligent, loving, and precious. Indeed, I would strongly encourage anyone to adopt these wonderful creatures.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 18:29 — Teal (Visitor)
8 years ago I worked as a Vet Tech and one of my fellow employees did side work socializing and adopting out feral cats and kittens. Someone set a trap in the woods behind their house because they knew they had seen a pregnant feral mama cat. A couple of weeks later there were 4 sweet little kittens in it. One was long haired white, one long haired siamese, and two short haired black. Shortly after there were two black and white kittens about the same age from another person, and the six little kitties found shelter at our Vet office until we could find homes for them. The white kitten was immediately adopted, and shortly after the siamese, and the black and white kittens were too. I kept hearing people make comments everyday, saying things like "If only these two weren't COMPLETELY black". I spent every day with them, playing with these sweet little 5 week old kittens. They would lick my fingers and play with my skirt and shoelaces and were very sweet and outgoing. They were also bonded to eachother in a way the others weren't, like they knew they would need eachother. Eventually I couldn't take it anymore and I introduced my boyfriend (now husband) to them, knowing he would fall in love like I had. His first response before seeing them was "We can't have cats, we already have a dog". His last response after meeting them was "Can't we take them both?" We did, and Liam and Fiona became part of our family. Our 3 year old (now 11) Australian Shepherd, Shamus, took to them immediately and started playing mama cat, cleaning them and playing with them. They loved him too and to this day follow him around rubbing against him. Well, one of them. About 3 years ago our sweet Fiona had an unfortunate run-in with the coyotes on the hill behind our house and we never saw her again. Liam has since become very vocal, meowing all the time even when he doesn't seem to need anything. He stays much closer to home and seems needier. I know animals don't have the same emotions as humans, but they form bonds that are powerful, and I know he misses her. She was his twin. Cats are cats, whatever the color, and black cats are incredible and sweet and mysterious, just like all cats. Please give one a chance!

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 19:02 — Nina (Visitor)
We have a black cat that I love so much, he can do little tricks and loves to be around people. Brat earned his name. Its his way or no way. Really hope to adopt another black kitty one day, I love them so much!

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 19:53 — todd (Visitor)
In 2008 a black stray cat with a cut on his leg was hanging around my yard.I took him in to the vet,got him healed up and he has been with me ever since.He is one cool cat.He is always by my side.He is social,playful and very affectionate.He love's to sleep on my chest.He gives fun and love to our house every day.black cats make great pets.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 20:32 — Maryann (Visitor)
We took in 2 strays a few years ago. One of them is black. He is the sweetest little guy. He follows me everywhere. When he hears me come home he comes downstairs (from his all day nap) to greet me. At night, he sleeps right above my head. My husband who initially wasn't too happy about taking the cats in absolutely loves our boys. The other cats is orange and cream color. We love them both!!

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 21:23 — Cheryl (Visitor)
Kiki got her name because I always called her Kiki, short for kitty kitty. She came to my door a couple yrs ago just before a big snow storm. She was with kittens. She gave birth to four long hair, polydactals. In case you dont know what that is, its five toes not four. Not just one foot but both front paws, all for kitties. They were beautiful long hairs, black and white. She had a new home. The babies went to a no kill shelter. Kiki doesnt use the litterbox as she is above that she thinks and goes outdoors. She is very affectionate and lays next to me, whatever room Im in. She also tucks me in at night and lays beside me until she thinks Im asleep. LOL! She is very curious of running water and when Im running it she hops up to watch it go down the drain. But she drinks out of the toilet. :-( Her purr is barely audible, but you can tell shes purring by her breathy sound. I dont know what Id do without her, oh her eyes are a beautiful green.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 22:11 — Kathryn (Visitor)
I love black kitties!!! I have one of my own. He's full of energy and loves to cuddle with me at night. He always wants to be pet every morning when I'm getting ready for work. He will follow me all over my house, purring and wanting my attention. He loves when I rub his nose. Black cats are just cool.

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 22:18 — Brenda (Visitor)
I have two beautiful boys who just showed up in our back yard one night. We did the trap and release "thing" but when we opened the cage to let them leave.. they decided just to stay!! I love these two beautiful creatures! The hardest part is trying to figure out which one just ate!! They look identical!

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 22:28 — Hugo Hernando C... (Visitor)
My wife and I took in our little girl Nina when she was found underneath a car at a very young age by my Mom and younger sister. She is the sweetest most affectionate little cat. Her shiny black coat and copper eyes make her look very elegantly and the apple in the eyes of our 2 other male Tabby domestic short haired cats which pamper her all the time. She is about 3 now and though she enjoys being in the backyard around the garden, she would not trade in her lovable home for anything. She loves it here :).

Sun, 10/28/2012 - 23:06 — Kendra Pauline (Visitor)
We just adopted our foster black cat, Felix. He has been with us for 5 months. He has been on Petfinder, and has been to numerous adoption events. We think he is awesome because he is so interested in everything. He follows us all around the house, and he loves to play with anything. His nickname: Mr. Fun! He is easygoing, outgoing, fearless, adorable (of course), and loves everyone! Many who passed him up missed out, but their loss is our gain. What a great black cat!

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 00:16 — Amy (Visitor)
I have a "teenager" back cat with amazing yellow eyes whose name is Gnark (there is a story behind his name, with great meaning). I recently, as in less than 2 weeks ago, adopted another all back kitten. She can't be more than 2 months. She has the same eyes, but with a bit of green. Her name, I haven't found one to fit her yet. She was sleeping on my chest and now she's pissing Gnark off. Black cats are not bad luck. They is no difference in any cat's personality based on the color of their fur. I have had solid white, to, obviously, solid back and every color in between. The love that they get in their new home, or old home, depending, is what creates their personality. If I don't play with the kitten as soon as I get in the door, she is biting my toes (and I basically only wear flip flops). I believe in nuture over nature. No offense, but judging a black cat as bad luck is like judging anyone who isn't white as bad luck. Go to a shelter. You may just find your best friend. I have found 2 cats and 2 dogs. My family. And knowing that I saved lives only makes the bond more solid.

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