Why Black Cats are Good Luck

 

Let’s face it. Black cats get a bad rap — halloween, spooky movies, and old superstitions have made it tough for these beauties. So tough, in fact that black cats are 75% less likely to be adopted.

A recessive gene that suppresses the tabby pattern makes black cats all one color. But don’t be fooled, there is often more than meets the eye:

  • Sometimes the tabby pattern is not completely suppressed so faint markings may appear in certain lights (cool!).

  • When a black cat sits in the sunshine it’s said to be “rusting” when their fur appears to be a slightly browner color.

No matter the variation, we think black cats are beautiful and unique — and this gene mutation shouldn’t condemn them to spending 40% more time in shelters than their colorful friends.

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“A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.”

- Groucho Marx 

Several studies suggest that black cats are perceived to be less friendly and less appealing than lighter colored cats. Another study suggests that even when people don’t think about black cats negatively, they still have a tendency to walk right past them at shelters.

This is simply not fair. So it’s up to you —  to recognize the bias that these sweet cats face (although they may not know it), and give them equal opportunity to shine.

  1. If you’re thinking of adopting, make sure not to overlook them at adoption events.

  2. Contact us to ask about our black cats (we do our best, but not all cats get featured on the website)

  3. Donate to organizations such as Black Cat Rescue. 

  4. Celebrate “Black Cat Appreciate Day” (August 17) by donating or volunteering at a shelter.

Black cats are up against the odds. So when you see a black cat, realize that they have actually overcome all the odds. Life has not been easy on them but they’ve come out on top anyway :)

See the local black cats who are ready to be adopted in the St. Pete/ Tampa area.

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