Adopting animals is a big decision, one that takes a lot of time and thought and planning. But when you actually go to adopt your furry little friend, your first thought is not usually of adopting a black cat. These little beans have a bad rep, since someone decided a long time ago that they were bad luck (how can something so cute be unlucky? What, are they going to drain you of all your love? Yeah, you can still sign me up). In fact, studies have shown that black cats are still often overlooked in shelters and their adoption rates are much lower than other cats. Black cats can spend 40% more time in shelters, and are adopted half as often as their patterned counterparts, and two thirds less than their white-furred counterparts.
Where did this superstition originate, you might ask? Well, according to historicmysteries.com, the fear of black cats seems to have come from the Middle Ages (shocker) but may have gained some footing in a primal fear of cats that dates back to prehistoric times (you know, because cats used to be huge and sometimes eat humans). People in the Middle Ages compared the black cat to having similar prophetic tendencies to the black raven, meaning that these individuals believed that black cats meant death was coming (because this face certainly seems to invoke the thought of dying––from cuteness overload perhaps).
Soon, these cats began to be associated with witches and dark magic, to a point where many people actually killed black cats en masse for just being black cats. These cats were believed to have been sent by the devil to aid witches in their evil doings, and eventually, it was believed that witches could turn themselves into black cats to cast spells on unsuspecting people from the shadows. While everyone was out killing witches and cats, this strange overpopulation of mice occurred and then accidently started the bubonic plague… Probably unrelated though…
However, I think the real thing to focus on is not the origin, but the people who were doing it right all along. The Egyptians believed that ALL cats (created equally) were the bringers of good omens and luck, and thus, any killing of a cat, even if it was an accident, resulted in the person’s death. Clearly, an intelligent group of people who worshiped one of the best animals on the planet. That being said though, let’s move back on over to talking about what is happening to our furry little friends today.
Referred to (lovingly, of course) in the cat community as “void kitties,” these cuties are always struggling to find loving homes. They may look spooky, but really, their black fur comes from a genetic mutation that blocks the color pigments in their fur from developing. If you are worries about their lack of color, they make up for it with their colorful personalities. Adopting cats shouldn’t be based on aesthetic purposes, since really, if you click with an animal of any kind, you should welcome them into your home. Do you know why? Because all cats (and animals for that matter), will love you just as unconditionally if you learn their personality, no matter the color of their fur or their bad reputations.
Black cats don’t realize they are “extra spooky,” but this is an added bonus if you are someone who loves Halloween. Black cats want to be loved, just like all of their funky furred friends. But if I’m sure of one thing, these little babies are not evil, and they just strut the fur they were given with confidence and beauty. It’s a shame that people are too spooked by an age-old superstition to give these little loves a chance. For further proof of cuteness, please meet these little void kitties, as they show off their quirks and model their chic black coat with professionalism and grace.
Photo credits: Alison Millar via Facebook
The next time you think that black cats will bring you bad luck, think of all the bad luck that their fur color has inflicted on themselves. Save a local black cat today, because these little fluffs want to give you all the unconditional spooky love in their hearts, just as much as a cat of any other color.
What are you waiting for? Go find your new little spooky floof!