Sleek, mysterious and dark as the night, black cats are an animal shelter staple.
During the height of kitten season, black felines can sometimes be seen making up the majority of an American shelter’s population. Studies have shown these bright-eyed companions find themselves staying at shelters much longer than lighter-colored peers even with the same amount of attention and effort placed on advertising them for adoption. Steeped in superstition, they are inherently believed by many to be omens of bad luck, evil or associated with witchcraft which leaves them often overlooked and chosen last by new families.
On a more superficial level, many are hesitant to adopt a black cat based on the concern they won’t show up well in pictures and their coat patterns are not as exciting as tabbies, calicos and pointed cats, whose fur are wreathed in all manners of varied patterns.
In 2011 on August 17, Wayne H. Morris sought to cultivate love for black cats on a national level with the creation of Black Cat Appreciation Day. It began as a remembrance for his sister, June, who had tragically passed away at 33. The birth of this holiday was a means of immortalizing the love she had for her black cat, Sinbad. In spite of their bad rap, black cats are often some of the most affectionate cats their owners have ever had, supplying them with years of smiles, laughs and unconditional love.
Many celebrate the holiday by posting photos of the black cats in their lives and sharing what they love about their misunderstood pets. Others observe Black Cat Appreciation Day by adopting one of the cuddly black cats. Below are some local kitties who need a new home now!
Spade
In the care of Warren County Animal Control & Adoption Center
Spade is a good-natured kitten looking for his forever home. He is playful but also content to receive attention. His adoption fee is $77 which includes the cost of having him neutered and his rabies vaccination. Interested individuals may contact Warren County Animal Control & Adoption Center at (931) 507-3647.
Spook
In the care of Warren County Animal Control & Adoption Center
Spook is a young kitten who is loving and playful, just like his brother. His adoption fee is $77 which includes the cost of having him neutered and his rabies vaccination. Interested individuals may contact Warren County Animal Control & Adoption Center at (931) 507-3647.
Moonshine
In the care of Helping Animals of Warren County (HAWC)
Moonshine is one of 17 cats being helped by HAWC. The colony was discovered to have several sick members in its ranks and, with some tender loving care, she and the others were nursed back to health. Although she is lacking an eye, this lovely lady is sweet and eagerly awaits a day when she can join someone's family. Like all other cats in the colony, Moonshine has been fixed and fully vetted. Her adoption fee is $30. Interested individuals may contact HAWC at (931) 743-7666.
Catmandoo
In the care of Born Again Rescue and Kennel (BARK)
Dixie and Catmandoo are a bonded pair from Michigan proving old stereotypes wrong. Six years ago, Dixie came home with a tiny, abandoned kitten she had "adopted." The two have been inseparable since the moment she brought him home and become distressed if taken away from one another. After the recent passing of their owner, a military veteran, the dynamic duo's story was discovered by BARK and immediately plans were set in motion to get them down to Tennessee. Now, the pair awaits a home willing to take on both of them. Their adoption fee is $150 for the pair, as BARK does not wish to split them up. Interested individuals may contact BARK at (931) 304-8818.
