Creating good luck for black cats

I am remembering someone incredibly special, and in their honour I am collecting donations for one of their favourite charities, RSPCA QLD.

8 years ago I adopted an 8 year old black cat from RSPCA in Dakabin, named Mitch. As of yesterday, Mitch passed away at the age of 16 due to an unlucky combination of kidney disease and heart disease. To me, he was the perfect cat and the perfect companion, whom I will continue to love for the rest of my life.

Mitch had come from a happy home, was extremely well behaved and was completely smoochy and loving. Despite all this, he had been in the shelter for 3 months without being adopted. While I am thankful that this meant I was able to meet and adopt him (something which felt like fate), it saddens me to know that other black cats may struggle to find their new forever homes as well. I have quoted an article by the RSPCA in 2017 below, which talks about this topic.

"In the animal shelter world, there’s a phenomenon known as ‘Black Cat Syndrome’ (and the same for black dogs as well), where they are often the last animals to be adopted from shelters.

It’s a heartbreaking truth and is thought to be because of the old superstitions held by some humans – that black animals, and cats in particular, mean bad luck.

However, RSPCA NSW has previously offered up some further explanation for this sad phenomenon too:

When it comes to black cats and dogs, it’s still not clear why some adopters prefer animals with lighter-coloured fur.

Some shelter workers say it is because it’s harder for potential fur families to read the facial expressions of black cats and dogs.

Others say it’s because black-furred animals do not usually photograph well. This means that when shelters put pet profiles with photos on their websites, lighter-coloured animals may have an advantage, as they just look more photogenic.

A black cat is also often associated with witchcraft, and can be seen as a symbol of Halloween and all things scary. Hollywood has contributed to this: in movies, black cats are typically portrayed as villains and black dogs are the devil in disguise.

Because of this, some potential adopters also (incorrectly) think the colour black represents evil, so this can affect their actions when choosing a cat or dog.

All animals deserve a loving, forever home, no matter how they look. If you’re thinking about adding a furry feline friend to your family, please don’t pass up the opportunity to adopt a gorgeous black cat (or dog!).

It will not only mean good luck for you, but will be a lucky day for that cat or dog as well."