Black Cats Are Awesome

Because I like cats and making videos I started uploading Shorty to YouTube thinking others might enjoy her as much as I do. But my friend said I should get a different cat because "you can't really see Shorty's face" and "people like other cats better than black cats." Since then I've been trying to prove him wrong. Then I saw an article in the paper that suggested not only was he right, but that black cats' lives are at risk simply because of their colour. I hope this stereotype changes soon because black cats are just as awesome as other cats. Please comment and subscribe if you agree.

From The Toronto Star:

Shelter workers say black dogs and cats are often the last to be adopted and first to be euthanized. Looking at the reason behind this trend in Toronto-area animal shelters, and what workers are doing to combat this problem.

Whispy slinks through the halls of the Toronto Humane Society, his dark figure jarring against the white floors and walls.

As its longest resident, Whispy has been living at the animal shelter since July 2010. It seems no one wants to adopt the 11-year-old cat because, workers say, he is black.

It's a problem that plagues shelters everywhere: Ebony-coloured cats and dogs are often the last to be adopted, says Heidi Kulla, an adoption agent at the society.

"People just want that dog or that cat that looks really beautiful," she said. "They don't see black cats as beautiful. They just see them as plain."

Black cats have the lowest adoption rates of all animals, said Kulla. After Whispy, the society's second-longest resident is Lucky, another black cat who has lived at the shelter since January. The average length of stay for cats is 2½ weeks.

Shelters don't keep any data on adoptions by colour but officials say there is a considerable amount of anecdotal evidence that supports this conclusion.

"Black cats are harder to rehome than other cats," said Bruce Hawkins, spokesperson for Toronto Animal Services.

The main reason for this reluctance? Potential owners often think black is boring.

"It's simply because there's not much to look at in terms of features," said adoption manager Zana Ellis. "People tend to look for things that are more unique."

Many shun black pets, opting to choose their more colourful counterparts, despite attempts by animal shelters to promote them. Toronto Animal Services has posted a sign citing "10 reasons to adopt a black cat." Other shelters offer a 2-for-1 sale on black cats and highlight them in ads.

"Whenever someone is looking for a type of cat, and I would suggest one of the cats that happen to be black, a lot of people just kind of do the 'No, I don't really like black cats,' " Kulla said. "(They're) the last resort for lots of people."

Animals with dark coats are less noticeable to shoppers browsing prospective pets, said Kulla. They don't photograph well either, their winning features hardly showing up in pictures.

"When (people are) searching for cats on the website, they go for the ones that attract their eyes, and most of the black cats all look very similar, so they don't stand out like a different type of cat."

The superstitious fear of a black cat crossing one's path also affects adoption rates, she added.

Black dogs have it easier than their feline friends, but do tend to remain in shelters longer than other dogs.

"I think people are afraid of them," Kulla said.

Michelle Jalsevac, who was looking to adopt a pet from the society, said she loves black dogs, but understands why some may be wary of adopting them. "They scare people; I know they do."

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1080461--black-cats-down-on-their-luck-at...

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[bubbamoosecat]

My very first cat was a black cat. He was my grandmother's cat when she died. I inherited my love of cats from my grandmother. Ever since, I have always had at least one black cat in my house, and always will. Currently, I have a four year old black cat named Inky. Every black cat has been a sweetheart.

Thank you for advocating the adoption of black kitties!

[jevligtsmutsigdocka]

I have three cats one of whom is black, she is probably the cuddliest one. She will wake me up at night begging for cuddles by buffing me hard with her nose, and if that doesnt work she will take a nap on me. She is my baby <3

[SweetFateofFortunes]

WTF? People seriously have no taste, black cats are not as cute as others, they are BETTER. Their eyes pop out more and looking at them is like one adorable puff ball. I guess only the eccentric and mature have the knowledge of this. (<----- Is offended because he had three black cats.)

[InweTaralom]

We had a black cat for 13 years; her name was Ebony. My mother brought her home when she was six weeks old, and we just adored her! Most people who don't like black cats, probably don't like cats period.

Either that or they have absolutely NO taste.

Don't they know that black is the new tabby?

[blakwidowbambi]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I also have a black cat, my son rescued her from the streets when she was a few weeks old. I must admit I was like "ugh" about having a black cat, at first (I had already had gray tabbies), plus superstition set in, but my son stood his ground and I am so happy that he did. I love Ebony to death and I must say she appears to be a whole lot smarter than her gray brother and sisters. Black cats rock!! I love all cats, but black cats rock!!

[maggiexmassacre]

I have a 14 year old black cat. Got her when I was 5 :) I'll always love black cats.

[Huneiyue]

Long time ago i read that black cats have more personality than other cats.

I say it's true. My mother have always had a cat (or two) in her house. My first cat was black and, of all the cats that have lived there, she was the sweetest and polite cat... She was so lovely that one of my neighbours kidnapped her and, after some quarrels, she won and she kept my cat :(

[TarCatsWorld]

Black cats are awesome, beautiful and loving! My Tar Cat came into my life when I was very low and he saved me at a time when I really needed that. He was the most loving pet and best friend I ever had and I miss him dearly every day! Shorty is very cute and funny so I'll be waiting for more videos!!! =(^o^)= MEOW!

[MsJess6641]

Ive got a black cat named Onyx who will be one in March. He's actually my first pet ever. I had already heard black cats being adopted last because they are "plain"( I think their black coats are beautiful) and because of the retarded stereotype that they are evil. Im a black female myself so I thought hey we have something in common so my little Onyx was my first choice when I saw him. He also has long hair which is another strike. Just thinking he couldve been one to be killed is just sad.

[MissMaryanne1]

black cats are the best

[tecookieone]

Well I Don't adopt My Cats From A Animal Shelter My Cats ............(Log History) :"D