The black cat is one of the most misunderstood animals in the world, and you can usually find one in your local shelter. Many people don’t want to own a black cat because of the persistent stereotype that black cats are unlucky or evil. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. Black cats need love and affection just as much as any other cat.

 

How Long Does a Black Cat Live?

The average lifespan of a black cat is 15 years whereas that of a normal cat is 12 to 18 years. Black cats have a longer average life span than other cats because they have better immune systems and can fight diseases more efficiently than other cats. Like with any cat, they are less prone to all kinds of illnesses if they are taken care of properly.

Black cats are two-thirds less likely than white cats to be adopted and 50% less likely than tabby cats to find a new home. Click To Tweet

 

How To Help Your Cat Live Longer?

If you want to prolong the lifespan of your black cat or any other cat, there are many proactive measures you can take as a cat parent. Taking your black cat to the vet regularly for routine checkup and bloodwork can catch any illnesses or problems early. Check out our 10 Tips To Be A Better Cat Parent here.

Unfortunately, cats go to the vet less than half as often as dogs, even though they also require routine medical care. In 2021, 81.8% of the dog population visited a vet, versus only 39.8% of cats. It’s important to remember, the feline instinct is to hide pain or distress. Therefore, it makes it difficult to know whether your cat is experiencing a medical issue. As a cat parent, taking your black cat to an annual vet visit is essential. Grooming your cat is vital such as brushing their coat, trimming their nails, and brushing their teeth. Feeding your cat a balanced diet helps to prevent obesity and all of the health problems that come with it.

Cats go to the vet less than half as often as dogs, even though they also require routine medical care. In 2021, 81.8% of the dog population visited a vet, versus only 39.8% of cats. Click To Tweet

Black Cat’s Appearance

Did you know that black is actually a genetically dominant trait with feline coats. Although, most black cats are not a solid black and may have some patches of white as well. Overall, black is the most common color of domesticated cats. While feline eye color covers a wide range of hues, the vast majority of black cats have yellow or golden eyes. The striking contrast between black fur and yellow eyes adds even more mystique to these fabulous panthers.

If you view a solid black cat in the sunlight there are faint stripes within the fur.  Although black is genetically dominant as a fur color, the striped tabby pattern is genetically dominant as a fur pattern, and in cats with genes for both black fur and tabby patterning, the stripes can be “hidden” under the black coloring.

Black Cats Have Their Own Appreciation Days

While all cats should be celebrated, black cats have two very important days dedicated to them for very important reasons. According to the RSPCA, 70% of the abandoned cats in their care were black, and they reported that people are less likely to adopt black cats from the shelters.

National Black Cat Appreciation Day was created to dispel myths about black cats. It is celebrated every year on August 17. It is a day set aside to honor black cats and dispel superstitions and stereotypes surrounding them. It’s time to put old fables to rest!

National Black Cat Day is celebrated on October 27, four days before Halloween. This day celebrates black cat when they are fresh in the mind of people celebrating Halloween, a holiday they are most attributed with.

There isn’t a significant difference between National Black Cat Day or National Black Cat Appreciation Day. It’s basically just another day where we get to celebrate our furry black friends. There is even a Witch City Kitty event held in Salem, MA each September to celebrate black cats. Let’s face it, black cats need all the love they can get.

 

Are Black Cats Affectionate?

Every cat has a unique personality that is not tied to the color of its coat. While black cats can be very friendly and affectionate pets, there are also black cats that are more aloof. While some people may think black cats are one of the more affectionate and playful cats, this is simply a generalization. There is no scientific evidence to support that black cats are more affectionate than other cats of different colors.

 

Why Do Black Cats Have Bald Spots?

Black cats have a reputation for getting more bald spots than other cats, but it’s really an optical illusion: we notice the spots more because the cat is black. That being said, cats get bald spots for many reasons, from fleas to parasites. If your black cat has a bald spot, ask your vet why!

 

Whether you have a black cat or just admire their majestic beauty, there are several ways you can support and help black cats. Here are a few of our favorites:

 

Show Off Your Black Cat

If you’re the proud cat parent of one of these house panthers, then why not spend the day showing them off on social media? Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok, you can upload photos and videos of your feline to raise awareness and show off just how beautiful they can be in photographs too.

Adopt a Black Cat

According to PETA, black cats are two-thirds less likely than white cats to be adopted and 50% less likely than tabby cats to find a new home. If you’re in a position to do so, why not head down to your local animal shelter and welcome your very own black cat into the family.

Fulfill Wish Lists

Many rescues and fosters create wish lists to make it easy for you to contribute exactly what is needed. Many of these lists have items such as cat food, bedding, litter, litter trays, carriers, collars, toys, or treats. As a safe bet, litter and food is always needed.

Wish lists save the shelter the work of ordering and make it easy for you to gift the shelter something useful; everybody wins! To find out if your local shelter has a wish list, just check their website or social platform.

Become a Foster Parent

If you are knowledgeable about cats, maybe consider becoming a foster pawrent to a pregnant mother cat or kittens. Contact your local shelter to see if they need help and tell them your level of experience. It is crucial that rescues have enough support from the community and have enough interest to help lessen the burden.

Fostering a mother cat relieves the shelter of a huge burden. Cats have a 67-day gestation period. Expect at least a 3-month commitment in order to care for a pregnant mother and her kittens. Fostering a pregnant cat is quite a bit more involved than simply fostering an adult cat, so keep that in mind

Taking Care of Kittens

Many shelters do not have the resources to care for kittens who are only 2-3 weeks old. At this age, they must be fed by bottle every few hours. Even kittens over 3 weeks old need to be placed in a secluded area while their immune system develops and are old enough for vaccinations.

If you are interested in caring for infant kittens, ask your local shelter if they offer training. Unfortunately, if shelters can’t find foster placements or care immediately, the kittens may not be able to survive.

Donate Some Time

Shelters always need all the help they can get, especially during kitten season. If you have free time, donate a few hours or even a day per week to your local shelter. If you are unable to donate time, you can always donate money to help provide care for animals in your community.

 

Get started by checking your local shelter’s website to see how you can help!

 

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Send us an email at meow@catsavant.com