Black Cats Can Be Good Luck Too!

Guest Blogger: Terry Kuehner
To close out a great month of kitten and kitten adoptions, volunteer Terry Kuehner writes about a few of our feline residents that often get overlooked in shelter situations.  Happy Smitten Season everyone! 
In Great Britain and in Ireland, black cats are a symbol of good luck.  The Scottish believe that a strange black cat’s arrival to your home signifies prosperity.  Black cats are also considered good luck in Japan. Furthermore, it is believed that a lady who owns a black cat will have many suitors.  
However, most of western and southern Europe still considers the black cat as a symbol of bad luck, especially if one crosses your path, which is believed to be an omen of misfortune and death.  In Germany, they’re not too sure on the matter.  Some believe that a black cat crossing your path from right to left is a bad omen.  But from left to right, the cat is granting favorable times.  
So, what is the truth about black cats?  The truth is not what I’ve just told you.  Those are superstitions from centuries ago. Sadly, the truth is that black cats stay in shelters longer than their lightly colored brethren.  The truth is there are actually people who still believe in the superstitions.
The real truth is that each cat, whether its black or white or gray, is as diverse as the colors of its fur.  Some can be shy or fearful.  Some are outgoing and social.  Some are lap cats while still others prefer to play and chase toys.  My personal experience with black cats has always been positive.  At different times in my life, I’ve shared my home with many black cats: Alex, John, Dan and now, Hank.  Each has been unique but each has been very lovable.
Miranda lives in Animal Friends’ free roam room.  She likes other cats but is a tad shy around new people.  She needs a home with adults and older children who will have patience and can give her the time she needs to warm up to them.  
Nigel is an all-around nice guy.  He’s ok with being handled and picked up, but would really like to just sit beside you and relax.  He likes other cats too and always plays nicely.
Lazarus is a cat who is not afraid to speak his mind.  He knows if he meows long and hard enough, a volunteer will take him out of his kennel for a little bit of love.  (He has us all trained!) He has no teeth but that doesn’t slow him down at all.
So why haven’t these three been adopted?  They may be seen as uninteresting in their markings, a dime a dozen.  People don’t look closely enough to see their personalities.  It is very sad to know that black cats get the short end of the stick in shelter situations when most of them would make wonderful companions.

If you can get past the superstitions, please consider adopting a black cat.  You can’t judge a book by its cover!  Each cat has its own personality and would love to be loved by you.

And remember ladies: color coordination is very important and black goes with everything.  You’ll just need to accessorize a bit.  (Our retail store can help you with that!)

We still have many great adoptable kittens and cats!  Visit www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org to take a look at all of our adoptable cats.  Even if you cannot take one home, sponsor a spay and help make a difference in reducing the unwanted pet population.

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