Black cats haven’t had the best press over the last few hundred years.
All the way from Celtic good luck charms, to the object of deep-seated suspicion and scorn, they’re the moggies that seem to attract unusually strong feelings on both ends of the spectrum, from love to loathing.
Which all seems a bit unfair really, considering that no one has seriously believed that black cats are demons or witches in disguise for at least 300 years.
But still, it feels right that they get their own exclusive slot to serve as center of attention, which is why National Black Cat Day occurs every October 27th.
You might have seen some of the best photos circulating online. Proud owners showing off their felines, or snaps of the local neighborhood cat. All very wholesome and adorable.
Even though some of the most absurd associations might have melted away, it’s still a fact that black cats are by far the least likely be adopted.
So it could be time to do your bit, if you’ve been thinking about bringing a pet into your life.
For those with a bit more disposable income, you can also buy a black kitten—breeds such as the Bombay are solid black and are renowned for their playfulness.
If that’s too much of a commitment, then there are other smaller ways to make a difference. Making a donation to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is one small practical way of providing help, or whichever shelter operates in your area.
An RSPCA spokesman was quoted on what they hope the awareness raising they hope the day will achieve.
‘We are really hoping to highlight how difficult it is for the black cats to find homes compared to their colourful friends’.
‘National RSPCA statistics show black cats on average take 30 days to find their forever homes compared to an average of 19 days for ginger cats’.
‘For us we feel choosing a cat or kitten to adopt should all be about personality, not the colour of their fur and we want to show off our amazing black kitties on National Black Cat Day’.
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