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Health & Fitness

Black is the new Black....... Why adopting a black cat is always in fashion!

   Black cats are beautiful and they are never ever bad luck.  Throughout history the folklore of the black cat is an extremely well documented one.  It conjures up images of witches, the supernatural and fear.  It does seem that much of the chatter of the “evil” black cat comes from us here in North America.  Many other parts of the world actually have it right.  Yes….  they have it right!  Black cats are far from bad luck.   In fact in most parts of the world they are not only considered good luck, but they are revered.  In England and Ireland owning a black cat is considered lucky.  In Scotland a strange black cat on a porch brings prosperity to the owner.  Throughout Japan and most of Asia the good luck of a black cat is widely accepted.  So when we here in the U.S. are usually so ahead of the curve, so in fashion, why are we in the dark when it comes to the black cat?

  To those of us in the shelter and rescue world black cats are what they should be…..  Always in fashion!!!  I realize the image of the “crazy cat lady” does not conjure up the image of chic, hip or trendy, but I am here to dispel that image as well.  We clearly are ahead of the trend on this one.  Think of the famous print “Le Chat Noir”.  Are you going to argue with me that the French are not some of the most chic and fashionable people in the world?  I think not!  Le Chat Noir is truly iconic and is seen on posters, postcards, journals, book covers, magnets and so much more.  There are other examples such as Felix The Cat, a treasured pop culture icon that started as a cartoon in the 1920′s, and I am fairly certain he was not feared.  Black cats have also been featured in Laverne and Shirley, Mickey Mouse and Star Trek (my personal fave).  None of the latter seem scary to me.
 
So let’s get to the heart of the black cat matter.  Let go of the old wives tales and open your hearts.  Black cats are the most overlooked cats at shelters and rescues.  There are more black cats in shelters than any other types of cats.  We need to change those statistics and why not start now.  Let’s get ahead of the curve and start a new trend.  Yes, Black is the new Black.  So when you considering adopting and you head to the shelter ask to meet black cats.  They come in all shapes, sizes and personalities so there is one for you for sure!!!  So go ahead and try one on! 

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