According to the Humane Society of the United States, between 6 million and 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters with about half of those euthanized and the remainder adopted out. Of those that are euthanized, a disproportionate number are black cats. Some high-kill shelters euthanize these black cats, opting not to even put them up for adoption. Past experience has taught these shelter workers that these cats are unlikely to be picked. It may be months before the right people come along and those shelters, already overcrowded, don’t have the luxury of giving these cats that kind of time. But black cats have more going for them than they are given credit for and instead of the last choice, they should be the first. Here’s why.
You’ve got personality: Because blacks cats are less likely to be adopted, many shelters slate them first for euthanasia. But the ones that have been saved probably have something extra special in the personality department, otherwise, they would have been quickly put down. For instance, when I adopted my black cat, I was told by the shelter worker that she had been part of a large black kitten litter that was to be euthanized. But my kitten was so friendly she was spared and moved to a no-kill shelter where I found her.
Let’s talk about it: When you have company over, the black cat will be an instant conversation piece that will likely spark the attention of your guests. That’s because no other type of cat has captured the imagination like the black cat. In many cultures, the black cat is considered quite unlucky, but others believe these cats’ owners are deemed quite fortuitous. When your guests see your black cat, it’s likely to induce some strong reaction one way or another.
Black is beautiful: No color says sleek sophistication like the color black. Pairing it up with white, red, turquoise and bright pink creates a stunning contrast. My black cat wears a faux diamond-encrusted hot pink collar and heart-shaped name tag with even more bling, creating a feline that’s quite eye catching.
Saving a life: Because many people readily pass over black cats, these cats are the ones that need homes the most. Many other cats will have a much better chance of finding a place to live, but the black cat will likely be passed over again and again. My black cat sat in a shelter for months before I adopted her despite the fact that she was so friendly she kept pawing for attention at passers-by through the cage slats.
Halloween : Celebrating Halloween will be a lot easier with a black cat. You won’t have to put up as many decorations because you’ll have your black cat to help out simply being there. At Halloween, I switch my cat’s pink collar for a bright orange one, making her part of my home decor.