Black Cat Syndrome: Why Black Cats Are Overlooked at Shelters
Andrea Powell
Black cats spend the most time in shelters and are the last to be adopted. It usually has nothing to do with personality but with the color of their fur. Animal rescues call the color bias "black cat syndrome". The same applies to dogs.
Black is the most common coat color for cats with many variations. According to the National Library of Medicine, they have the highest rate of euthanasia at 74.6%, and the lowest rate of adoption at 10% of any cat.
It all started with superstitions and myths from centuries ago that linked black cats to witches, black magic, and bad luck. While some superstitions are bad, there are others that say that black cats will bring you good luck and make you rich.
Black cats are so much more than Halloween symbols and are the farthest thing from evil.
They are sensitive and loyal companions who will entertain you with their playful personalities. You will be mesmerized by their beautiful green or amber eyes.
Sadly, many black cats are patiently waiting at shelters for someone to admire their stunning coat and not judge them by it. It is time to bust the myth that black cats bring bad luck and encourage people to adopt.
October is Black Cat Awareness month and what better way to shed light on these purr-fect companions (also called "house panthers") than by sharing rescues nationwide who are giving these felines a second chance.
Black Cat Rescue
This no-kill rescue based in Boston, MA, is comprised of an all-volunteer network of foster homes that have been saving black cats since 2007. They are determined to change the way the world views black cats and save more lives.
Check out all their adoptable cats here.
Binx's Home for Black Cats
The foster-based rescue in Asheville, NC, is "spreading the magic of black cats, and fostering a community that loves and protects them."
Black cats and kittens are taken in by the rescue who then finds a loving foster home to care for the feline until they are adopted. It is a much less stressful experience for the cats and the foster family can see the cat's true personality. It is a win-win.
See all the adoptable felines here.
Black Cat Holistic Rescue
The focus of this no-kill animal rescue organization is to save black cats and kittens at overcrowded Los Angeles shelters and off the street. They also rely on fosters to help care for all the felines until loving homes can be found.
Learn more about the rescue and see adoptable cats here.
Street Cat Rescue
Donna Powell wanted to help the "forgotten" street cats in Texas through TNR. She met a skinny black cat later named "Kitty Mama" in 2006 and has been helping cats ever since. The rescue encourages people to volunteer to adopt and spend time with the adoptable cats to see which one is the best fit.
Check out the website for more information and learn how to adopt.
All cats - no matter the color of their fur - deserve to be loved and cherished, so please consider adopting a black cat.
