Throughout history, black cats have had problems simply because of the color of their fur. They were considered the familiars of witches, and were often burned alive, just as the “witches” were. That’s not a thought many of us find pleasant, but it hasn’t changed a lot.
In North America, these cats weren’t put through that torture. However, we have our own superstitions. A black cat crossing your path was a sign something bad was about to happen.
In the present day, these cats still have major problems. They are the least likely to be adopted at a shelter. It really isn’t so much superstition. Black dogs aren’t popular, either. People just find them uninteresting. They go for the cat with the interesting markings rather than the “dull, black one.”
October is a bad time for these pets. Most shelters across the country will not put them up for adoption during this month. Cruel things have been done to them, whether in some bizarre ritual or a remnant of the old superstitions. That’s not good news, as they are already at the top of the euthanasia list.
I’d like to tell you about a black cat. His name was Merlin…because of his fur color. Merlin was the sweetest cat you could imagine. He rarely scratched or bit and he was the most flexible animal I’ve ever met.
He was born on Good Friday, 1981 and died in the summer of 1997. In 1984, he disappeared and didn’t show up again until 1988. Where he went or what he did, we don’t know, but he was glad we remembered him.
Merlin was, in a sense, a connection with my childhood on the farm in WV. It was hard for me to let him go, though it’s never easy with any pet.
Merlin’s place in our hearts wasn’t due to his “cute coloring.” It was due to his personality. I would not hesitate to adopt a black kitten or cat, should the time come when we are ready to do so. I learned from Merlin that the color of the cat isn’t what’s important. It’s what’s inside.
If you and your family are looking for a new cat or dog, don’t overlook the black ones because of their color. Play with them a bit and see the personality. Find a cat or dog that matches you and your family, and leave the fur color out of the picture.