Black Cats

United States
September 20, 2009 1:50pm CST
We saw an article recently that there is a large amount of black cats at the cat shelter that are not being adopted because people think they are bad luck. We have a black cat that is the sweetest little boy cat. He has been nothing but good luck for us. He is very easily frightened. The shelter told us that he was abused. He came to the shelter in the fall of the year after Halloween. My question is: Would you consider adopting a black cat into your family? Why or why not? If you believe they are bad luck, what facts do you base your opinion on?
9 people like this
40 responses
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
21 Sep 09
Hi sysdexlicwriter! I hate seeing that people really are so stupid and believe that black cats are unlucky! As you have a black cat that is sweet, so do I! His name is Star! And out of all the cats that I have ever had he is the most sweetest loving cat ever! He is my loverboy cat! He is always with me and has to be touching me all the time! He likes me to hold him in my arms like he is a baby! He lays next to me in bed and puts his kitty arms around me like he is my loverboy! He is just so sweet! I have never had a cat like him ever! And I have his brother, Luna. They are from the same litter and they have completely different personalities! Luna can be sweet too, but not like Star! I would adopt every black cat from the shelter if I could! Besides being sweet they are so beautiful! I just hope that the shelter won't let the cats be adopted around Halloween! I have heard that some shelters won't just in case people are adopting them for evil purposes!
2 people like this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
22 Sep 09
I love that name Zorro! How adorable and fitting for a black kitty! I love to meet cat lovers so I sent you a friend's request! Give Zorro a kitty kiss and hug for me! lol
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Sep 09
What a great story about Star. We are still working with our Zorro because he was very scared when he first came to our home. Tonight he came up to me and talked to me while I was cooking. If I answer him very quietly and gently he just keeps talking. I think many shelters do just exactly what you said. We adopted Zorro and our little girl cat from a shelter. They really checked us out and we had to fill out a ton of paperwork before we could adopt. They also did follow-up checks with us. I appreciated it for the cat's sake and also for our sake. They answered a lot of questions that I had even after being a cat person all of my life. Thank you so much for sharing with us and your post.
• Philippines
20 Sep 09
I would adopt a black cat, there's no problem with the color, it's still a cat. And for the plain color of black, i find it unique. And there are no religious nor scientific explanations about black cats as jinxed.
2 people like this
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
20 Sep 09
I have 4 black cats, and one, Scamp, is my favorite cat. oh, I forgot, right now we have 5, one of the little ferals is also all black my first cat was black and I went looking for a black cat/kitten I've barely ever been without a black cat for any length of time
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
20 Sep 09
check some of my older discussion in the cats subject and you might even see some pictures of them - right now me, the computer and the lot don't seem to be able to post pixs
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Sep 09
Isn't it fun to work with technology! I say not really. I eventually figure things out but it takes a while. I just may go and look for those cute pictures. I do hope you get the other pictures working soon.
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Sep 09
I am thinking that black cats must be very special to you and that you appreciate them greatly. I hope this discussion gets people thinking outside of the box if they are opposed to black cats and maybe open their hearts to some cats that need a home. Thank you for your post. This is so neat to picture your family of cats in my mind as I read your post.
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Sep 09
already have one:) we inheirited my uncle's all black cat when he passed away,and he is a BIG one at that.he looks like a dot with ears but he is anything but bad luck...unless you ask one of my other cats..now they have to share their toys
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Sep 09
our local shelters actually put a hold on adoption of both black and white cats the weeks of halloween,which is probably a good idea.
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Sep 09
I wonder what we can do to change the perception of black cats and Halloween. I think that I will just plain not bring the Holiday into my house this year. I can't imagine any animal being abused. Your all black cat sounds amazing. Thank you for your post.
1 person likes this
@enola1692 (3323)
• United States
21 Sep 09
well this is an easy qustion for me I had a black cat name Mystque she got her name because it was a mystery where she came from she just showed up at my grannies house an keep in mind my mother in law lived there an they are self proclam cat haters I know what is wrong with these people an no matter what they did this cat would show up when i was there I was dealing with alot at time I am a wiccan an my hubby's family were telling me i need to be a baptist like them an my hubby was telling me to be true to myself do what makes me happy well i said someone show me a sign an this black cat shows up from nowhere an she no word of a lie had green eyes with what look like a red pentagram in the corner of her right eye well i took her in an hubby said there is my sign an that cat who was a stray first day in my home my saimse cat teya was dying of old age she was 20 an mystque jumped on the bed where teya was lying an wrapped her body around teya till she passed like she was warming her cause teya was cold well 5 years later we lost mystque I have no idea what happen to her I miss her alot but I hope she is bringing someone else happines now like she brought me an yes my hubby's family expects that i am a wiccan now an said as long as I am happy they don't understand it but let me alone now
1 person likes this
@enola1692 (3323)
• United States
21 Sep 09
Well its been a year now an the girl next door came over asking about the mark in mystques eye telling me it looked like a pentagram I told yea thats what it looks like an then she told me her sister a wiccan would love that cat an then she disappeared an i let everyone know I was looking for her including the neighbor but a new cat showed up my daughter says Mystque sent her she is a smoky grey with white booties an for a stray she took to being in the house with my other pets an she is a ham its like her mission in life is to keep us laughing which she dose her name is Frankie an man is she a clown
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Sep 09
I am glad that you have another cat and that there is much joy in your house with her antics.
• United States
21 Sep 09
Your story brought me to tears. What a sweet story about a black cat. Maybe you can have another cat like mystque or mystque will come back. Thank you so much for your post.
20 Sep 09
Hi sysdexlicwriter, May I ask where you come from? I live in the UK and actually here its meant to be GOOD luck to have a black cat cross your path, But i do know that other contries differ on there black cat superstitions. And superstitions is exactly what they are in my opinion. I have a black cat, he is also a rescue cat His name in nemo and he is now 5 and half years old and the most adorable cat I know. I love him to bits and he has never bought me bad luck, I wouldnt say he has bought me much good luck either though lol. But I never even thought about luck when I adopted him and I wouldnt have had a different cat
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Sep 09
I am from the United States and it really bothers me that this time of year, getting ready for Halloween, there are black cats items on display everywhere in our stores showing them with their backs arched. I think that this holiday really does an injustice to a cat who had no choice on what color fur they were born with. Our cats are all so precious to us and it makes me really mad that people here from time to time hurt black cats due to meanness and misinformation.
1 person likes this
20 Sep 09
I agree and Its wrong to judge a cat by the colour of its fur just as it is to jugde a person by the colour of their skin. I love both of my cats, I have the black cat and a tabby cat and I wouldnt care what colour they were, I didnt choose them for thier fur, I chose them because of their personalities. Some people are just silly if they believe in daft superstitions
1 person likes this
• United States
20 Sep 09
We choose our animals by personalities also! Although, I am always a pushover for the really snarly cats that hiss and seem angry. I pick them because I am afraid that no one else will. That's why my family members go with me when I am looking for a cat for our family. They bring me back into balance as far as what kitty will fit with the family.
@Bd200789 (2994)
• United States
21 Sep 09
We have a black cat, and I have never understood how anyone can think they are bad luck. Both of our cats had been abandoned, and they are both good cats. I don't know how anyone could be so cruel as to abandon or abuse any animal.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Sep 09
I am trying to understand how people can be so cruel. I don't think I will ever understand it or want to. It's just plain ugly. Thank you for rescuing your precious kitties. I know they are well cared for and loved.
@applefreak (3130)
• Singapore
21 Sep 09
to me, colour is the last thing on my mind. when i first adopted my cat, i don't even know what ticked fur means. i learnt a lot after getting my first cat, the one in my avatar. subsequently, when i lost my tabby, i went around looking for another tabby. in the end, i got myself two cats who are both non-tabbies. one is a reddish brown cross and the other is a semi-long hair stray. you can see their pictures under my pictures. to me, the most important thing is the 'link' between the cat and me. it's something that is not easy to explain. it is just a feeling that i get when i first saw them. it's the feeling that i must have this cat and the cat feels the same way too. just like any relationship, it won't work if it's only one-way. to answer your question, it's a resounding YES as long as we both feel we are right for each other.
• United States
22 Sep 09
When I first saw a photo of my gray kitty at the shelter, I knew she was meant to come and live with us. When we went to the shelter to spend some time with her, my husband fell in love with the cat that kept stealing the cat toys from the other cats and was just so playful. This turned out to be my husband's cat and he is our black muscle boy. Of course, the little gray kitty was just perfect for me. Now everybody in our family has a cat. I love them all. You are exactly right, each one of our cats just felt like they belonged in our home. I do have a problem though leaving the others behind at the shelter. I always like to say a little prayer over them that they will find good homes. I wish I could do a whole lot more.
@Aingealicia (1905)
• United States
24 Sep 09
I have a black cat. As a matter of a fact I have his photos here on MyLot. I love him and he has never brought me bad luck, just his play mouse. Ainge
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Sep 09
I wonder if some people use this superstition just for an excuse to hurt innocent animals. I have not had one post on this discussion where anyone had a bad personal experience with a black cat. Thank you for your post. I will check out the kitty photos.
@jdyrj777 (6530)
• United States
22 Sep 09
Its sad really that people have to be hatelul against black cats because of a bunch of stupidstitoins. The Kat family lives with me. Miss Kitty Kat, the mama, and her children, Missy Sissy Kat and Bubba Kat. Kitty and bubba appear to be black. When people say any crap about that i show them what color they really are. If you brush their hair backwards its a grayish undercoat then they are not "black" but they are "black smoke".
1 person likes this
@jdyrj777 (6530)
• United States
22 Sep 09
I just had to give them last names because last spring i found a couple of tiny kittens outside. The kittens were crosseyed so my friend who took them and i gave them the last name Crazyeye. So the ferral population outside we last named Wilder. The old tom cat i call either Grandpa Wilder or Oldman Wilder. He is grandpa to Sissy and Bubba. He is also daddy to the Crazyeye kittens.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Sep 09
I love what you have done with the word superstition. It just seems more appropriate to call them stupidstitions. I like that we need to add that word to the dictionary. What wonderful names you have for your cat family. I don't think anyone would dare pick on your furry sweethearts. Thank you so much for your post.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
21 Sep 09
oh that is just so much malarky i really wish i knew who started that stuff/belief. also, you need to keep a black cat in around Halloween. some stupid people have been known to steal and abuse them. i've seen people that will run themselves off the road to hit one if its crossing in front of them. i've had several that were loving and quite wonderful to have. sometimes they are even more people oriented then other elusive cats.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Sep 09
How sad that people would harm an innocent animal and even go out of their way to do it. I am so glad that I started this discussion. I hope that as we become more aware of this problem, maybe there will be less Halloween black cat merchandise on the store shelves because many of us will refuse to buy it and keep this thing going. I looked up this whole thing on Wikipedia and posted it on a previous answer that I posted on this discussion. I was surprised that there was so much information on the subject. It's not as if we have to believe this sort of thing in this day and age of information.Thank you for your post.
@lumenmom (1986)
• United States
22 Sep 09
I use to feel that way years ago (meaning the bad luck thing), but I have met some of the friendliest black cats over the years and then it just dawned on me that there was no logic to the bad luck theory. So yes, I would adopt a black cat and now that you mention it, I may specifically look for one to adopt at the shelter. After all, they need love too.
• United States
22 Sep 09
I like to pray and ask God to show me which cat we should have when we are looking for a new little furry face, otherwise I would come home with the whole shelter. I know that you will have the cat that is perfect for you and I really appreciate your input on how you felt in the past and how you feel now. Everyone's post has been so encouraging on this subject. No matter what cat you may have come to your home, I know you will love it and it will be so glad to be in your care. Thank you for your post.
@Gemstar6 (71)
• New Zealand
22 Sep 09
I consider black cats to be lucky, if anything. We own two. One black girl who is fluffy with a white spot under her chin and imaginatively titled 'Blackie' hem hem. Her grandson, Magnus, is very handsome and knows it. He is very long and slinky. Together they are a couple of characters, albeit very different. Blackie knows when I am worried and sits closer and usually puts a reassuring paw on me lol. magnus is extremely chatty and vocalises about all his adventures. These cats always make me feel good, and a good feeling can only bring luck!
1 person likes this
• United States
22 Sep 09
Our nickname for Zorro is Blackie. I usually scold my husband not to use that name but it is not meant in any bad way other than he has black fur and he is so sweet. A few weeks ago my sister spent the night at our house. She slept on the couch in the living room and when I asked her how she slept the next morning, her reply was that our house is like that movie "Night at the Museum." I guess our little Zorro ran all over the place as soon as we fell asleep and just made a riot of a time for himself. She was a little tired in the morning but she got such a kick out of him and our other cats. I am wondering if someone should start a club for black cat lovers. I thought our black cat was unusually sweet but it appears to be part of what they are ---- sweet and lovable. Thank you for your post.
• New Zealand
23 Sep 09
Good point! Is there anywhere for black-cat people?
1 person likes this
@veronizm (907)
• Philippines
22 Sep 09
Hi sys! I would definitely adopt a cat and I wouldn't care whether it's black or white or multicolored coz I just love cats! They're fury and cuddly; they're like living stuffed toys :D They're also very clean! When they're not eating / sleeping, I always notice them cleaning their body :) Plus, they keep the pests away ;) I've also heard about that superstition that black cats are bad luck. I don't believe in it (or any other superstitions out there) coz I really don't see the logic of it. Cats are one of God's wonderful creations, why would He make something that would give us bad luck, right? Actually I've always wanted a black cat cause it seems like they're rare. I love looking at their fur coz it shines when it's hit by the sun :) We used to own one but that was when I was like 5 or 6 years old. My parents named him Felix, after Felix The Cat :) And check this out, he was bestfriends with our dog who was also jet black like him! They both always cuddle and play with each other and also clean each other's back! LOL! They were really cute :) So how's your black cat? Hope he wouldn't be easily frightened anymore now that you've adopted him. There are really some poor cats out there who are abused by other people. If only I could adopt them all!!
• United States
22 Sep 09
You have stated my sentiments exactly. You talked about every point that I think this subject deserves. It has taken over three years of kindness and gentleness to see our black cat finally not be so frightened of the smallest of noises. He is such a sweetheart. Yes, I do agree that cats are one of God's wonderful creations but I don't think some of the things we have come to believe can measure up with God's intent. For example: superstitions like a black cat being bad luck. Felix the Cat was one of my favorite cartoon characters growing up. You have brought back a lot of memories of Felix the Cat and his wonderful bag of tricks. It is interesting how a character like this can emote good feelings while a child whose house is decorated with black cats from Halloween may have a totally different point of view that could follow him all his life unless there is education on this subject at some point in his life. Thank you for your replay.
@Buchi_bulla (8298)
• India
21 Sep 09
My Black cat Kanna's image - My Black cat Kanna, which was about to die and we have revived.
There was a small black cat near my house, which was a weakling. Whenever it got some food on the road, some big cat chased it and took the food. When I tried to give milk, it was not accepting. One day it was in an unconscious stage as it was without food for four days (as told by my neighbour). Then I gave him milk in a plate and forcibly made him drink that. Slowly it picked up it's health and got used to us. Now it is a healthy grown up cat of 1 year few months. It is a black cat with some white patches. See for yourself in the photo. I do not find any bad omen because of that. Everything is going on well and better, to be specific. It's name is Kanna.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Sep 09
Kanna is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for saving him and giving him the food and love he needs. I can tell by the picture that he is a lucky cat because you have saved him and good things have already come into your life because of it. Thank you for your post.
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
21 Sep 09
I read about this as well and it's sad. Black cats are just as loving as any other color and wish for a forever home just as bad. My daughter has a black long-haired cat going on 10yrs. now. Maybe this is why our streak of bad luck has lasted this long? j/k Lil' Bear is such a sweetie when she wants to be. Every night when our daughter goes to bed, she'll call her cat and no matter where she is in the house, will come running and mewing at same time to cuddle with her. She also happens to be the healthiest animal we've ever had. Only time she sees a vet is for her shots and when we got her spayed. That's it! Black cats and bad luck are just forklore..no such thing!
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Sep 09
It sounds like Lil' Bear is a source of happiness in your home. Sometimes our cats have helped us handle adversity and keep us calm until the storm of adversity blew over. Their cuddles and purring calm any tension in our house. You are right that black cats and bad luck is just folklore. Thank you for your kind post.
• Lubbock, Texas
21 Sep 09
I personally believe we make our own luck. Walking under ladders is a simple matter of common sense, the number 13 is significant on a lot of levels in many religions, none of them are negative. A black cat is just a black cat. I've had two. Both of them were lovable, adorable pets. One wasn't really black, but you couldn't tell unless the light shone on her just right. She was a Brown Burmese. She "talked". She said "want out", "want milk", and "get out" and "mama". She had that typical meow of a Siamese that some people find frightening and creepy, but she was adorable. If I were going to adopt a cat, the color would make no difference.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Sep 09
This is so neat that your cat could talk. Our black cat is so healthy and muscular but his meow is like a small kitten. It is so cute. Our animals add so much to our life in many ways. It is so lovely what you have shared about your cats. I agree with you that we make our own luck. Thank you for your post.
@hotsummer (13835)
• Philippines
21 Sep 09
i don't think that black cats are bad luck. i think that they are cute cats too. but i don't like them cause the color is quite dark. and in our place we have a boring place. and i want some cats with light color so bring a brighter mood in our place. if our place is a very happy place i will not mind to adopt a black cat. but generally i find those black cats as black all over their body quite scary sometimes. specially if they are in dark places and you don't know they are there since you can hardly seem them in dark places, it can be quite a scare . ha ha.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Sep 09
We have a bright house with light colors. Our black cat is easy to see. We do have dark carpet in one part of the house, but we always see our cat because he has such beautiful gold eyes. His eyes are the color of rich gold. He is so cute because he thinks we do not see him and then we scoop him up for hugs. His fur is so shiny that he looks like a beautiful black race horse. One thing good about a dark house and a black cat is that you probably won't see the fur so well. You bring up an interesting thought on colors. Thank you for your post.
• United States
21 Sep 09
I have a black cat and he is friendly and very sweet. He just showed up in our yard and has been here ever since. We do have to watch him around Halloween because a lot of black cats have been harmed around Halloween. My luck hasn't turned bad or anything since we adopted him in the family. He is a very unique cat and wouldn't trade him for anything. So, in answer to your question if I more room for more cats I would definitely take another black cat. I have 2 cats and a dog at the moment and don't have room for any more.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Sep 09
As we become aware of this problem, I believe many kind people will take in a black cat or at least consider it when they maybe would not have thought about it before. I never thought this was a problem. Isn't it sad that you have to keep an eye on your cat during Halloween. Thank you for your kind story about your black cat that reinforces that black cats are just as sweet as any other kind of cat. Thank you for your kind post.
• Philippines
21 Sep 09
hi, I can't believe they are still people that still lives in the dark ages and still think of Black cats as bad luck.we had a black cat that kept vising our house and eating our trash but i don't think he's bad luck. no wonder cats are mutilated during the ancient times because they think of them as bad luck..
1 person likes this
• United States
21 Sep 09
I think that celebrating Halloween with black cats with their backs arched and hissing is just the wrong message to send little children every year. I wonder why we do not question some of the things we do on holidays like this. You are right, it is like living in the dark ages. Thank you for your post.