We’ve all heard the saying that if a black cat crosses your path it makes you unlucky. We’ve all seen the witches and their black cat companions. Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch was my favorite. But where is the truth and where is the myth when it comes to these sleek creatures?
First, I’m sure you’ve heard, black and grey animals, both dogs and cats, are less likely to be adopted than other colors. While this may be a little bit of a myth there is truth in it as well. The fact that 33% of all cats in shelters are black and 22% grey is true. That’s half of your average shelter being either black or grey. The myth comes from the fact that even though they get adopted at the same rate, when you start with more of one color you are more likely to still have some in the end. So let’s say you have 3 black cats and one orange one and the one orange and one black get adopted, you still have 2 black ones left at the end of the day. The same number of each color was adopted, but there are so many black and grey ones in shelters they are often what is still left in the shelters. This also means they have the highest euthanasia rates of any color as well. This applies to both cats and dogs. So many shelters have started running adoption events and campaigns to get their black animals adopted. One headlining with the slogan Adopt Your Own Mini Panther! And successfully adopting all of their black cats.
But does color really matter? About 50% of people say, no, it makes no difference to them when adopting a pet. However 26% said yes, it was important. Some people believe solid colored animals are more anti social and mean than multi colored pets. I do not believe this, but I would fall into that 26% as I only adopt black or grey cats. Unless someday my kids find a pet they adore, I probably won’t be able to tell them no.
And we come to the big myth, are black cats unlucky? Well, I can confirm, it is untrue. I’d be in big trouble if it were based on how many times black cats have crossed my path. This superstition seems to be pretty localized in America and a few other countries. In fact, a lot of places have good luck myths involving black cats. In Ireland and Scotland black cats are very lucky, supposedly bringing wralth and prosperity. In Japan a black cat is believed to bring suitors to a single woman. But in America, they are associated with witches and bad luck. So much so, than some shelters don’t allow any adoptions of black or grey kitties in the month of October. I keep my cat inside the day of and the weekend before Halloween and don’t allow him into the yard where he likes to go and pounce around. This is to protect them from the truly awful individuals in the world who would beat up and be cruel to the cat. 13% of Americans still believe black cats are superstitious. Even if myself and the shelters are overreacting to a sparse few bad stories, it’s a better safe than sorry situation.
But let’s get down to just some solid facts about these beauties. There are more male black cats than female. This rings true in my personal life as all but one of my cats has been male. Some black cats will start to grey as they age and become lighter in color. And most black cats have golden eyes, more rare are green eyes. My cat has these hazel colored eyes, but it’s possible they are golden and I’m choosing to see green in them because I want to see green in them.
I will say, each cat has it’s own unique personality. Some are more withdrawn and aloof, some are cuddly and loving, while others are perky and active. What’s more imprtant than the shade or color of a pet is how they will mesh and fit into your family. Be careful and take time to lovingly bring them into your home. Treat your pet with respect and graciousness. But, based on how many black an grey dogs and cats are euthanized every year, it’s my mission to save as many of them as I can.
Dose of Sunshine 