Did you know that black cats find it hardest to get adopted? And did you know why? I’ve been reading a lot recently about people not choosing black cats because they’re – allegedly – harder to photograph for social media. At first, I thought it was a joke, but it turns out that it’s not. So another body image issue to blame Instagram for, along with its perishing algorithm.
Where Can I Adopt a Black Cat?
As some of you may know, we have three cats: Jester, my old white boy, Ginger (no prizes for guessing his colour), and Flora’s black boy, Spooky. Three different colours, three different personalities, all gorgeous in their own ways. I’ve written before about how we acquired Ginger, and talked about Jester, so today I’m sharing Spooky’s tale. Here’s how we came to adopt our black cat.
Spooky was our replacement cat after Flora’s first cat, Buzz, was sadly run over. He came from our local Cats Protection and when we first saw him he was at the top of the cage, hanging off the wire. His brother and sister were both receptive to strokes but Spooky wouldn’t have any of it. We wanted a feisty boy to cope with Cat Alley at home, so naturally we were determined he was the one for us.
Alarm bells perhaps should have started ringing when we went back to collect him and the foster lady had to use gloves and a towel to catch him. A nice feral little kitten then, my five year old’s ideal pet. Fortunately, we were well prepared for our new kitten. And once home, he hissed and hid for about three days. Buried in the shadows, the only way we knew he was still there was evidence of an empty food bowl and full litter tray. Not the most promising start! Eventually of course, we persuaded him to start trusting us and that was the beginning of a lovely relationship.
Flora’s cat
Spooky knows who he belongs to (I use the term “belongs” loosely, any cat lover knows what I mean). He sleeps on her bed and he’s the most snuggly and affectionate boy. I now understand what a rattling purr is, the first time I heard it I feared for our windows. He’s also the best looking of our three (ssssh, don’t tell Jester). His coat gleams in the sunshine, he’s lost his youthful racing cat silhouette, but he’s very much Bagheera in his prime. And his eyes are just beautiful – a bright glowing green which, I will admit, I’ve failed to capture properly in any of these photographs. Spooky’s a fierce defender of his territory, sadly an accomplished mouser, yet he always but always defers to Jester as senior cat. All this and black too. So, what else is in his favour?
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11 Reasons Why You Should Adopt a Black Cat
- Black goes with everything – name me a colour or pattern that looks bad with black.
- You’ll never need to brush hairs off your work trousers, they’ll simply add extra warmth.
- Black is slimming, so a great reason for lots of cuddles.
- I’ve just mentioned the coolest black cat of all – come on, who doesn’t love Bagheera?
- Black cats crossing your path are considered lucky – which may be why many ships cats are black.
- You’ll never be short of a Hallowe’en companion.
- Their eyes are always so striking when set against black fur.
- They come from royalty – check your Egyptian history – and it’s safe to say that Spooky hasn’t forgotten this.
- Black cats aren’t hard to photograph, if you have patience and some good lighting. And a little luck too, of course. Why not look on it as a chance to hone your photography skills instead of multiple flatlays? (!)
- True love knows no colour.
- You’ll help save a life, or at least give a black cat the chance to experience what many of his coloured cousins are so freely offered.
And so…
And so…Although I always wanted a black cat, even when I was Flora’s age, the point I really want to make is that colour doesn’t matter when you’re adopting a cat. They don’t care so why should you? If you only want to get a cat to boost your own image then, please, just don’t. No animal deserves to be spurned for its colour, especially based on something as trivial as how they may or may not photograph. Do you think cats care about that? Do you think you would care if the tables were turned?
As you sow so shall you reap, I believe the saying goes. We may not have been working with the most fertile ground to start with but we’ve been amply rewarded with the most beautiful, loyal, fun, and loving little black cat. I’m so glad we made the decision to adopt a black cat – and I know we are very lucky.
Have you ever adopted a cat before? Would you consider adopting a black cat now?
When my lovely tabby Oskar was run over and killed, I was soon ready for another cat. My feline obsessed!) friend Helen told me I should look out for a black one, as did a woman I spoke to at Cats Protection.
So, when I heard of a litter needing homes, I asked what colour they were – and there were three grey and five black! I went to visit, and found that the grey ones were already spoken for, but none of the black ones were, proving the point!
I really could not decide whether I wanted a boy or a girl – so chose one of each! The girl was playing with her mother’s tail, so seemed to have a bit of personality, and the boy was the one with the shiniest coat. So I went home happy – but as they were only five weeks old, I had to be patient and wait for a few weeks – but well worth the wait!
Zenas and Florence (named after my grandparents!) are a year and a half old now, and are SO gorgeous! How could anyone reject them because of their colour?!
Aw, Mary, I love your two black furbabies, they are gorgeous. I honestly thought the media was spoofing the story but apparently it’s all true and cats charities are blaming the rise of social media. Black absorbs the light so it’s harder to photograph. What a terrible comment on people and how sad for all those beautiful fur babies (not just cats, either). Thank you for your comment, xx
Oh my gossssshhhh I knew the age old silly superstition made them less likely to be adopted by now social media mania is working against them too!?? SO SAD! I love black cats! All kitties picture here make my heart melt 🙂 🙂
I was aware of the superstitious nonsense but I couldn’t believe social media is now responsible for black cats not being adopted. It’s ridiculous, and it would be quite funny if it weren’t so tragic! Thank you for reading xx
Spooky definitely is reminiscent of Bagheera in his prime! It breaks my heart to think of so many black cats remaining in shelters just because they’re not Instagram friendly – how fickle is the world?! I’m so glad that Spooky has come out of his shell and become such a loving companion to Flora, I am sure he makes her so happy by sleeping on her bed and keeping her company! I wouldn’t hesitate to give a black pusscat like Spooky a home!
Aw, thank you Abbey! He’s a lovely boy, I’m so glad we picked him and we’re so lucky to have him. He’s gorgeous – although I wish he wouldn’t keep leaving bits of mouse for me to tread on in my bare feet, ha ha! x
Aww this is lovely! I can’t believe anyone would reject a perfectly nice animal because it’s the ‘wrong’ colour. I’m more of a dog person but you’ve got some cuties there x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Neither could I but after I’d read one newspaper story it seemed to be in every other paper I read, online and hard copy. Unbelievable, as you say. I like dogs too but my heart has always belonged to mogs, especially black ones! x
I’d love a pet if any sorts but cats are the cutest! However, my Mum is allergic to cat hair so no cats for me 🙁
I had no idea that few people want black cats. I think they are cute! It’s such a shame that it’s all over taking photos of them! They are so cute
Ciara | https://teatimewithciara.com
Ah, shame, my father was allergic to cats too, that’s why I had to wait until I had my own place before I got cats. I’m still shocked that something so shallow as wanting a good social media photo is preventing people seeing how beautiful a black cat can be! x
Such beautiful cats. I loved all of your reasons. Black cats get such a bad rap, its so sad.
Thank you! They really do, and it’s most undeserved. I think it’s especially cruel to ignore them for the sake of getting a “good” picture too x
Adopting instead of buying from a breeder is SO important, and black cats truly are beautiful! More people should realise that all cats are beautiful, and black cats need more love X
elise // elssthinks.blogspot.com
Yes, exactly! I get that cats aren’t for everyone – OK, I’m lying, I don’t – but I just can’t get my head around this any colour but black thing, it’s utterly ludicrous! x
Hi, I wanted to adopt a cat as a lot our friends and neighbours have them and we are not at home long enough during the day for a dog. Sadly, they seem to now disagree with me and I have tried a few times to be friends with a cat but my body just seems to say no. I am disappointed to say the least.
Oh, that’s such a shame. Bizarrely, the best way to make friends with a reluctant cat is to ignore it. Something to do with non-threatening eye contact and passive body language, I think. Although saying that, I can dish the advice out but I couldn’t follow it myself! x
I’m so shocked! I thought that too was going to be a joke when I read they are “harder to photograph for social media” like, what??? Why would that even cross your mind if you are looking for an animal to bring into your home and become part of your family! That’s so sad to hear 🙁 lovely pictures of your cats – they are all gorgeous!
Amy, Creative Nails
I’m still having trouble accepting it even after reading it in so many news sources, it’s just crazy! But there’s a Bristol cattery that is full of black cats for the first time in 40 years because people keep asking for any colour but black as it doesn’t photograph well. Not a good advert for animal lovers or Bristolians! Thank you for the kind comments about our cats – we think so too! xx
Aww that’s so sad that people would not adopt them because they’re harder to photograph!! I’m glad he found a home with you ?
Sophia x
I know, and they’re not that hard to photography really, you just need to take a little extra time! Thank you, we think we’re very lucky to have him, he’s gorgeous! x
Oh I so agree, we have always adopted our cats and I even fostered for a while too. I also heard black cats are harder to rehome because of the superstition, still not a valid excuse. My cat is adopted and she has half a tail and is still quite timid when it comes to door and brooms (no prizes for guessing how she was treated before) and it’s the best thing I could recommend. It’s amazing that managed to turn the ‘feral’ kitten in to a loving cat though, good on you, that takes a lot of patience!
https://my20staughtme.wordpress.com
Wow, fostering is a tough call. I’d love to do it but I think our three residents would be very unimpressed and I’d struggle to give a foster cat up. I do admire you! Your puss sounds lovely, I’m so glad she’s found a good home with you. Spooky was a challenge, I won’t lie, but he was definitely worth it! x
Ohhh this is such a cute post! I’m really allergic to cats otherwise I’d love to adopt about 20! Gorgeous photos!
Hels xxx
Oh I’d really love to adopt about 20 more too but I think my husband would leave home, not to mention our existing three cats, ha ha! Thank you so much 🙂 x
I think it’s so sad that black cats are so neglected. They are just as gorgeous as any other.
They really are, they’re something special too. When Spooky opens his eyes it’s mesmerising, magical! x
I LOVE this post, Cats Protection told me this when I adopted my kitty after volunteering there! I couldn’t believe that people could be so superstitious! I fell in love with my cat before I knew and she’s a tortie but I would definitely adopt a black cat!- https://sophhearts.com x
Cats Protection ran a National Black Cat last October, I’m hoping they’ll do it again as I might enter Spooky. Torties are so pretty, I’m not surprised you fell in love with her! x
Aww what a lovely post ? I haven’t owned cats for years but am a cat lover at heart. My second cat was from a rescue and had been abused and was very scared and a bit of a bully as a result so the rescue had called him Bruno after the boxer. A little bit of love and affection later and Ringo was the sweetest cat ❤️
http://Www.frasersfunhouse.com
Aw, Ringo is a much nicer name, I’m glad you changed it 🙂 One of our previous rescue cats was very nervous too but after we’d shown her nothing but love and affection for a couple of months she was a different cat. As soon as any of us sat down she was there and she followed me everywhere too, bless her! x
Im a dog person myself, but do like cats as well. My grandparents had both when I was a kid.
There’s a tabby that lives around us that always comes up to my kids when we are out in our village, and let’s the kids stroke him/her, which they absolutely love. I like the jet black look.
We used to have a couple of tabbies, brother and sister, and they were stunning. But I wouldn’t swap our black boy for anything, he’s such a stunner and (on a good day) a real sweetheart!
Such a lovely post. I love cats of all colours.
I have had a few black cats in my time, they have always been fabulous company and had the most amazing eyes.
I can’t believe people aren’t adopting them anymore … I’d definitely have another. They are good luck after all x
Thank you so much! Yes, Spooky’s eyes are really something. Especially when it’s feeding time, ha ha. I hope my little post goes some way to raising awareness too, this any colour but black thing is so sad. x
Black dogs also take longer to be adopted and I have no idea why! The whole social media excuse is quite frankly, pathetic. Spooky is absolutely gorgeous xxx
I completely agree – on both counts!! Thank you for your lovely comments xxx
All your cats are cute. Spooky is so much like Bagheera you did capture the shiny fur. Yes the age old superstition still prevails which is sad. I am glad you are such a loving person Lisa. The pictures you took are gorgeous. the last one is superb. hehehe. 🙂
Aw, thank you! I think I got lucky and the sun was out. If I had a decent camera it would make life easier but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to capture how gorgeous he is in the fur! xx
I’ve heard that about social media and black cats before and it breaks my heart. Cats are just the cutest, snuggliest companions and the idea of getting one purely for how it’ll look on your instagram feed makes me so sad. I used to have a black cat, he was unbelievably fluffy and was utterly gorgeous. Spooky seems like such a perfect addition to your crowd of felines, and he is so beautiful too!
Beth xxx
I hadn’t heard about the social media thing and I honestly thought it was a joke! It’s so unbelievably shallow to only take on an animal that will photograph easily. I’d adopt them all if I could – but then our three would probably leave home! xxx
Ooh what a cutie.
Black cats are so precious.
Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Aw, thank you, we think so too – and so does Spooky, haha!
Cats are my favourite animal, as they make me feel safe-plus, my nickname is “Crazy Cat Lady”! But I cannot understand why black cats have trouble being adopted – they are beautiful creatures 😀
I didn’t know that was your nickname 🙂 But, yes, I agree with you, black cats are so gorgeous. Spooky is hands down the best looking of our three boys! xx
I loved this post and I think black cats are gorgeous. My husband and I adopted our ginger monkey last Oct, I actually wanted a black cat but the only one at Cats Protection was already spoken for. But obviously we got our gorgeous little Vinnie anyway, not that we didn’t want to adopt every cat in there. We’d really like to adopt another but we’re not sure how Vinnie would feel about another cat.
Natasha// natashaleah.blogspot.co.uk
Oh, Vinnie sounds really cute. We have a ginger cat too – he adopted us though, ha ha! We’ve been quite lucky adding cats to our family, they’ve all seemed to just sort it out amongst themselves after a fair amount of growling. We’ve got three at the moment but that’s enough, I think! x
Aw this makes me miss my cat so much, yours is beautiful! I used to have a grey tabby cat and honestly after she died, I just couldn’t bring myself to get another cat!
Julia http://www.thesundaymode.com
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that. We’ve had four cats pass away on us but as we’ve always had at least two (now three) cats at any one time then the issue of getting another one hasn’t been so tough. I love grey tabbies, they are so striking, I’m sure yours was gorgeous x
LOL! This is fantastic! I’m so glad I finally got to read this. I’ve always wanted a black cat and a black dog named midnight and onyx respectively. But mother never fancied the idea of pets and her OCD ways 🙁 I think these are great reasons to adopt a black cat…I don’t know why people have bad connotations related to black cats, they’re always so nice to me lol and somewhat drawn to me. Lovely post and I think Spooky is a great name! 🙂 <3
Aw, thank you! And I love the names you chose, they are so cool 🙂 We’re very lucky to have Spooky, he’s been a challenge but we love him dearly and he completes our family! xx
My first cat was a black one! Since then I’ve fostered a few black and white ones and I’ve definitely noticed a trend of other coat colours being adopted more quickly. It’s such a strange thing because they’re always so lovely. I always thought it was the ‘unlucky’ myth but tough for social media?! Yikes!
I have nothing but the deepest admiration for you fostering all those cats. I’d love to but I think I’d have such a hard time giving them up again – plus I think our three would leave home in protest 🙁 But I was so shocked that the Instagram thing wasn’t a hoax. It would be hilarious if it weren’t so sad! x
Spooky is such a gorgeous boy, love him! And I totally agree it’s disgusting to choose a pet based on how they’ll photograph (yours if Spooky are incredible btw). Off to read Ginger’s story now ?
Amy xx
Aw, thank you, he really is a handsome little cat. I do have to work quite hard to take photos of him but not choosing him because of that would be crazy! xx
I have two black rescue cats. One stays in all day and sleep and the other stays out all day, they seem to love a good heatwave.
Ah, that’s so good to hear and yes, I’m always surprised Spooky like the sun as much as he does, I would have thought he’d get too hot but apparently not!
Both of our cats right now are torties, I have a HUGE weakness for torties lol but we had a black cat growing up! I will never understand why black cats are so often overlooked – I think they look absolutely majestic in the spookiest way possible (which is the best way, if you ask me)
Oh I do love torties too, they are so pretty! But I’d never be without a black cat now, they are so gorgeous 🙂
Omg, those cats look absolutely so loving and cute, I don’t currently have any pets but my partner does, 3 black and white cats, and they always jump up on me, they always want the attention.
These cats just look so adorable and friendly, I think when I own my own house, I will
Be getting at least 3 cats maybe 4 I don’t know.
I enjoyed reading this article, it’s put a smile on my face after seeing the picture of those cute cats 😁
Aw, thank you so much, this is so kind of you! And yes, once you get a cat you won’t stop at one, I’m sure, they’re such good company and they’re all so different. I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post 🙂
This is a very cute post! I almost got a black cat – I never felt superstitious but I remember my dad would never get a black cat ‘just in case’ but fell in love with my current grey and white cat for their personality.
I’ve seen your cat and he/she is gorgeous – who knows, maybe one day your dad might change his mind!
Loved the post! Can’t believe people wouldn’t adopt a black cat because of Instagram… 😒
Thank you – and yes, it’s crazy, isn’t it!
What beautiful cats you have!
Thank you very much – they think so too!
We’ve adopted more black cats than any other, and usually older ones, because nobody seems to want them. We thought that was a joke the first time someone at the Animal Shelter said it, but I think it’s true. We love them all, no matter their color or age, but black cats are so cool.
Ah, that’s so lovely to hear, Alexandria, that’s how we feel too. Age and colour don’t matter at all, it’s a cat and they’re all amazing 🙂
Aww lovely post♡I love all kitty’s no matter what colour they are♡my kitten is black & white, she’s gorgeous just as she is♡
Thank you, Marie, and so glad to hear you have a black (and white) girl too!