What People Get Wrong About Black Cats!

Black cats are one of the most misunderstood animals in the world. The persistent stereotype of black cats means you can usually find one in your local shelter. Unfortunately, They are usually one of the last ones to be adopted.

Black Cat’s Appearance

Did you know that the color black is actually a genetically dominant trait with feline coats. Although, most black cats are not solid black and may have striped undertones or even some patches. 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 house panthers.

If you view a black cat in the sunlight, you usually can see there are faint stripes within the fur. They may even have a brown hue with a striped tabby pattern. This is the genetically dominant fur pattern, and in cats with genes for both black fur and tabby patterning, the stripes can be “hidden” under the darker 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 help educate and admonish stereotypes surrounding them. It’s time to put old tales to rest!

The other holiday is National Black Cat Day, which is celebrated on October 27, four days before Halloween. This day celebrates black cats when they are fresh in the mind of people celebrating Halloween, a holiday they have been most attributed with over the years.

There really isn’t a significant difference between National Black Cat Day or National Black Cat Appreciation Day. They were created to celebrate our furry black friends and bring awareness and attention to them. There is even a Witch City Kitty event held in Salem, MA every September to celebrate black cats. Let’s face it, black cats need all the attention they can get and we are here for it.

Are Black Cats Affectionate?

Every cat has a unique personality that is not necessarily tied to the color of its coat. While black cats can be very friendly and affectionate pets, there are also black cats that can be 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.

However, in our very biased opinion, we think black cats are very special and one of the best kind of cats to have with kids. Growing up with a black cat in a house full of other kitties, I can tell you from experience our black cat was the gentlest and most loveable cat of the bunch. Even now as an adult with two black kitties in our home, our male black cat is the most patient and gentle with our three young children. He gives them so much love and affection and we are so lucky to have him teach our girls the special bond you develop with your pets.

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 of the contrast. That being said, cats get bald spots for many reasons, from fleas, parasites, to skin allergies. If your black cat has a bald spot, ask your vet why!

How To Help Your Cat Live Longer?

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

Unfortunately, cats are the underserved pet in terms of veterinary care, welfare, and wellbeing. They go to the vet less than half as often as dogs, even though they do require the same routine medical care. In 2021, 80% of the dog population visited a vet, versus only 40% of cats for routine care. 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.

Smarty Cat Says…

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

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 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. Kittens over 3 weeks old need to be placed in a secluded area while their immune system develops.

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.

Have a question that you’d like answered?

We’d love to hear from you!

Send us an email at meow@catsavant.com