Unlucky: Black cats less likely to be adopted at shelters

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[JoeProBono]

Throughout history, it has conjured up images of witchcraft and magic. In the Middle Ages, it was burned alive for its supposedly supernatural powers.

In North America, it is considered unlucky to cross paths with it.

Many shelters during the month of October ban its adoption out of concern it may be abused as a result of the image it portrays on Halloween. The black cat has come a long way since the 15th century. And though its supernatural image in the 21st century has largely been relegated to folklore and mythology, many in society still consider it a social misfit because of, well, its color, or lack thereof.Indeed, the black cat’s main enemy is its own genetic makup.

[elmer fudd]

I had a black cat named Herman when I was a teenager. It didn’t play, but it was a phenomenal hunter. Nearly everyday we would find presents that he left. Mice, birds, squirrels and even a full grown rabbit and a full grown crow once. I’ve never seen a cat with that kind of hunting instinct since.

[mass55th]

" I had a black cat...who lived for 19 years."

Me too. I got him at a local pet store in 1977. I was going through a divorce and wanted my kids to have something to take their mind off everything. He was almost 19 when I had to put him down. He was an awesome cat.

[JoeProBono]

[mysterio]

I'M IN UR FACE

GIVIN U TEH BAD LUCKSES

[He Rides A White Horse]

One of mine, too. I had a black cat I named Larla who lived for 19 years. We "grew up" together. She had a sweet and gentle disposition and was a great conversationalist. She was chatty and had a very rich and multi-syllabic meow.

I had one that didn't quite make 19 years. Those yellow eyes set against that black face was hardly expressionless.

If I were ill, she would act as a sentry. She was great.

[Lady Jag]

Several black cats have graced my life and all were wonderful buddies.

My only complaint is tripping over them in the dark.

Merle

[Canedawg]

[MHGinTN]

A pretty, young, mother-to-be black with white feet and belly has adopted me recently. I feed her on the porch and she has made herself a ‘nest’ under the same covered porch. I’m planning a ‘nursery’ bin w/old towels in the bottom and the snap on lid cut back partway. My other two old boys seem not too happy with this newly arrived usurper, but it remains to be seen how they will react to kittens around. This new lady is so vocal and craving of touch.

[MHGinTN]

How absolutely beautiful!

[Question_Assumptions]

The best cat we ever had was a black cat. Sadly, he died young from auto-immune problems, but I’d love to have another one. The feral mother of a couple of our other cats is also black. She’s fine, too, and seems to still be lurking around the neighborhood, though we don’t see her as much as we used to. They are careful about who they give black cats to, though.

[Lady Jag]

                  Mom?

[Fawn]

That is so nice of you to do all that for them. Hope you got them fixed with rabies shots?? I love the names...lol.

[JoeProBono]

[pabianice]

Stupid. Of the 45 or so cats I’ve adopted, black cats are the best-natured and sweetest.

[Slings and Arrows]

POLITICIAN CAT LIKES TO SIT ON FENCE

[JoeProBono]

just kitting ;-)

[Slings and Arrows]

Congrats on your new owner! Please post pix of Mom and babies.

[JoeProBono]

HahaHaheeheemeow!

[JoeProBono]

[JoeProBono]

I'll drink to that