Black Cats: signs of evil or purr-fect pets?

Beware of the black cat! Whether it be a witch, a bad omen, or a harbinger of bad luck, the black cat is to be avoided at all costs! Or…could black cats just be cats who happen to have sleek black fur or who wear a fancy tuxedo?

Would it surprise you to know black cats are not a breed unto themselves and that cats with at least partial black fur are the most common colour of domesticated cats?  Maybe it’s time to rethink the black cat. They, like any other colour cat, just want to be loved, cared for, and given a chance for a happy life.

Black Cat Appreciation Day is on August 17. There are so many examples of black cats not being adopted, we thought we’d share a story about a cat who was not only black – but also feral – and despite this she become a treasured member of a family.

Yoko was discovered by Meant 2B Loved Pet Rescue Society hiding under a porch, nursing a precious litter of tiny kittens. Unable to bear to see this little family struggling to survive, they jumped into action to intervene and offer them all a chance at a better life.

As with any animal taken in by Meant 2B Loved Pet Rescue Society, Yoko was spayed. M2BL Board members Sian and Kate, knowing it can be difficult to place feral cats, decided to take Yoko in temporarily as a foster themselves. Little did they know that fate had an incredible journey in store for all of them.

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, one-by-one, Yoko’s kittens found loving homes, but Yoko herself remained cautious, distant, and unlikely to be adopted. The determined duo of Sian and Kate refused to give up on her, however. They patiently worked to gain Yoko’s trust, setting up a warm and safe space for her, providing delicious meals, and slowly introducing her to their other five kitties, creating a harmonious environment.

As the months passed, Yoko began to see that she was surrounded by love and care. Patterson, Kate and Sian’s friendly and gentle kitty, became Yoko’s closest companion. He seemed to sense her uncertainties and made it his mission to show her the joys of being part of a family.

One magical evening, Yoko approached Sian and Kate, her eyes curious but cautious. She had taken the first step towards her transformation from a wary feral cat to a domesticated family member. Although they still couldn’t stroke her, Yoko’s bravery touched their hearts deeply, and they knew they were witnessing something truly special.

With each passing day, Yoko’s fear continued to subside, and her playful and affectionate side began to emerge. She would join the other kitties in playful games and lying in sunlit spots for afternoon naps. Though her journey was filled with ups and downs, Yoko’s spirit grew stronger through the love she received.

As time went on, it became clear that Yoko had become an integral part of Sian and Kate’s family. She may not be a lap cat, but she doesn’t need to be. Her unique personality, graceful presence, and little legs brings joy and happiness to Sian, Kate, and their five other furry companions. So, they took the next logical step, adopting her to make her officially a permanent member of the family.

And so, Yoko’s happy story continues, a tale of transformation and perseverance. With each passing day, she blossoms a little more, always knowing that she is cherished and accepted just as she is—a true and treasured member of their family.

Maybe there is something to that witchcraft myth after all. Yoko sure has cast a spell on Sian, Kate, and their furry family.

“Black cats have stunning looks, unique personalities, and are loving and loyal companions,” Sian said. “Despite superstitions, they are resilient, low maintenance, bring good luck in various cultures, and are excellent pest controllers. By adopting a black cat, you break stereotypes and give them the love they deserve. They make fantastic additions to any family!”

According to researchers at the National Institute of Health, the genetic mutations that cause cats to have black fur may even offer them protection from diseases.

When it comes to adopting, Meant 2B Loved Pet Rescue Society has found, like many other rescues, that the adoption rates for black cats are lower than adoptions of cats of different colours. The eight adoptable cats who have been on M2BL’s website the longest are all black. Some are black with white, one black and brown, and some are completely black. Poor Reece, who has been waiting the longest time for a forever home, has been on our site for almost a year, waiting for someone to provide her with love, care, and a comfortable forever home.

If you would like to help break the misconceptions about black cats by providing Reece or any other the other black cats on the Meant 2B Loved Pet Rescue Society website, please go to meant2blovedpetrescue.com, take a look at our available cats, and fill out an application form.

Yoko, on National Black Cat Appreciation Day – and every day – we appreciate you and all cats of any colour.

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Meant 2B Pet Rescue Society is a registered society, operated entirely by volunteers and supported by a team of amazing fosters. Meant 2B Loved rescues animals in need, who have been abandoned, abused, neglected, or need to be rehomed, provide them with a safe, comfortable temporary home, any veterinary care required, and training, if needed, until they are ready to find their furever families. Our motto is Rescue. Rehabilitate. Rehome. It is our goal to reach as many animals in need that we can with the resources we have.