Did you know that black cats are only half as likely to be adopted as cats of other colors??
Black Cat Rescue is a no-kill cat rescue organization in Boston, MA. Our all-volunteer network of foster homes in the Greater Boston area is dedicated to saving the lives of homeless black cats and kittens by providing quality foster care while actively seeking loving, permanent adoptive homes.
Specializing in foster care and adoption in the Greater Boston region.
Website: http://blackcatrescue.com
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E-mail: info@blackcatrescue.com
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Black Cat Rescue 
I think this is a fantastic group, and only wish I lived closer to help out. I have two black cats and they are the most loving boys ever! I think everyone needs a black cats…once you go black, you’ll never go back! Keep up the good work.
Suzanne is absolutely right. I used to be one of those people creeped out by black cats. When I met my husband he told me he had a couple of cats, a brown tabby and a black cat. I freaked out. I said to him, “Who the heck has a black cat? Does it hiss or bite?” He looked at me like I was crazy. Told me Chloe was the black one left of the litter and that “black cats need homes too”. Well, that made me feel terrible. He was right. Chloe and Bella were great from the start. The black one, Chloe, hung out with me in my home office and meowed at people while I was on conference calls and had them on speakerphone. Hilarious! She was awesome. Hubby says I was the only woman she ever loved. Go figure. She was 12 when I met her and passed away at 14 from kidney failure. I still miss her everyday. I am a changed and more compassionate woman because of her.
I looked up Black Cat rescue today on a whim and now i wish i lived in Ma. I have 2 black cats and they are the most fun and i have a blast watching them everyday. They light up my world. The story about your senior cat brought tears to my eyes. I hope that you are able to find him a good home.
Xavier is in his forever home in Waltham, ironically the location of his before home. After a noisy ride home (and an unfortunate and malodorous accident…), he is now perched on the sofa in the Man Lair with a catnip sack looking a little disoriented but happy. We helped with with a quick bath, but hopefully, he’ll finish the job soon. Pegasus, Babette, and Ella have been quite civil to their newly adopted Grandfather. We’ll take pictures of The Group this weekend for posting next week. Thanks for all the support, especially to Bronwyn and Brown, shown to this great cat.
Cassie & Garrett
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I love Black cats and I just don’t understand how people can’t see how beautiful they are. I have had the opportunity to own a Black Cat named Alice and she is so soft and beautiful. Also I volunteer at a shelter and all the Black Cats we get are amazing and I am there for them. I hope people will open their eyes about how they feel about Black Cats. They are the best!!
I am not sure if this is the appropriate place to comment. But I would like to mention to potential adopters of black cats that black short hair domestic black cats are frequently mentioned ( at least anecdotally) as exceptionally friendly and affectionate. Well ,we adopted one 8 years ago along with his black and white sister. We were trying to adopt two black and white sisters. One of the sisters was already gone when we got to the rescue. It was mentioned to me at that time “if you look in the back of the cage you can see an all black male kitty who no one has wanted”. We took him.”Willy” has become over the last 8 years the love of my life. He is beside me every day. Talks to me ,follows me everywhere and in general is the sweetest ,most loving animal I have had in my 62 years. While his sister is a sweet kitty,she is much more standoffish. Will is freind and sweetheart to all. Maybe black cats feel they have something to prove in terms of being good kittys. I don’t know. What I do know is that you will never find more love an affection than you will from a “black cat”.
Respectfully,
Jim F.
Thanks for sharing your positive black cat experience, Jim!
My husband and I are huge fans of black cats!! 5 of our 8 cats are black.
What a wonderful you guys are doing! We we were closer so that we could help!
Love the banner, looks just like our little guy Casper!
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We have 2 blacks and a b&w – all from the same liter. These girls are so precious and have stolen our hearts. I never really thought of it before, but A.J., the b&w, is the persnickety one of the bunch. Vladdy & Trouty, the two blacks, are my furry angels who love to snuggle. They’re incredibly intelligent, and understand what I want from them (& will sometimes even do it, lol). I swear, if these three had opposable thumbs they would conquer the world. 🙂
I truly wish we had a black cat rescue in California. I have two black cats, my first I got when I was 15, I think they are beautiful and they have such sweet temperaments. It was such a sad sight when I picked my kitty; he was the only black kitten out of about 15 in the pet store. I was specifically looking for a black kitten. I learned that the only black kitten had been their longer than the other kittens, nobody wanted him, and he was the runt to top it off so the other cats didn’t even accept him, it was heart breaking, most the cats were on hold, but nobody even took interest in the little black cat (except me). My dad bought me the little black kitten, and he has been my closest and constant companion ever since (9 years), he follows me around my house, and meows at me, he sits on my lap, sleeps on my bed and even tries to follow me in the bathroom, because he is such a kind and lovable cat, my fiancé and I got a black little girl kitty about three years ago, and she is just as sweet. I don’t think I will ever buy a non-black cat; I just love how sweet black cats are. I wish people were not so superstitious and could see them for the sweet animals they are. It is truly heart breaking how badly black cats are treated, and how people fear or dislike them.
When my husband asked me to marry him he presented me with a little black kitten with a ring on its collar. Like so many other black cats, this kitten was the last one at the rescue. All of his other siblings had been adopted and no one had even been interested in him. My sweet Bandit, was the most loving and wonderful cat. He slept with us every night and would purr the moment he saw us. A loud, booming purr. He let me hold him and walk around the house for hours without a complaint. Bandit came to his name, he followed me anywhere I asked, and always knew when I was sad. When he got sick, he was still sweet, letting me give him pills and inject fluids purring all the while. Even when he was not well, he was loving and patient and never misbehaved. I lost him this month due to a urethral tumor. I would tell anyone, to never overlook the black cat or kitten at the rescue. My beautiful black Bandit was my best friend. I would have never traded him for the most colorful and showy cat in the world.
What a sweet story! I have always had cats,never black. Mine was a ferrel who broke his leg and found us.He is sweet, loving, smart and demanding and cool. We adore him.Never knew of the Black cat theory. Makes sense. He is different. But so special from all my other cats. Love him! JD
I truly wish we had a black cat rescue in California. I have two black cats, my first I got when I was 15, I think they are beautiful and they have such sweet temperaments. It was such a sad sight when I picked my kitty; he was the only black kitten out of about 15 in the pet store. I was specifically looking for a black kitten. I learned that the only black kitten had been their longer than the other kittens, nobody wanted him, and he was the runt to top it off so the other cats didn’t even accept him, it was heart breaking, most the cats were on hold, but nobody even took interest in the little black cat (except me). My dad bought me the little black kitten, and he has been my closest and constant companion ever since (9 years), he follows me around my house, and meows at me, he sits on my lap, sleeps on my bed and even tries to follow me in the bathroom, because he is such a kind and lovable cat, my fiancé and I got a black little girl kitty about three years ago, and she is just as sweet. I don’t think I will ever buy a non-black cat; I just love how sweet black cats are. I wish people were not so superstitious and could see them for the sweet animals they are. It is truly heart breaking how badly black cats are treated, and how people fear or dislike them.
+1
I just found this and think it’s wonderful! We’re not only currently fostering an amazing black cat named Rascal but also have a kitty of our own named Silly!!!!
Your doing an amazing work – from one rescue volunteer to another, God Bless You!!!
My husband and I live in rural Idaho (I’m an “import” from the D.C. area) and learned several years ago that the pet refuges in Idaho Falls and Pocatello, Idaho hide the black cats they have up for adoption in a back room during the Halloween season because people will come in to “adopt” a black cat but then torture it to death. I cannot imagine the superstition in this “advanced” country in the 21st century. We have a cat small refuge here in this cow town where cats in general are not liked or cared for, but this fear and/or hatred of black cats is horrific. We have 12 kitties at the moment, including one all black kitty named Lucifer, who is very, very charming, funny, affectionate, an all-around wonderful companion. I was thinking we might turn our attention more to the fate of black cats in this backward, ignorant area and I typed “black cat rescue” into Google. Up your site came. I am happy someone else thought of this before me! Thanks for doing this. You are a beacon for those like us who are so concerned for homeless animals, including black ones! Thanks, Linda Werner
I love my cat named Midnight. She’s a black cat and has the sweetest disposition. She’s so smart and loyal. I just LOVE her!
I LOVE my black cat; named Midnight! She has the best disposition and is very sweet, loving and smart! I’m so happy I have her!
When I went to adopt a cat, I had no idea that black cats are often overlooked at the shelters. The woman at the shelter asked me some questions and was trying to pair me up with an appropriate cat. I was introduced to a few, Bruno and I seemed to hit it off but there where a few other cats still sucking up to me for a home. Bruno wandered off and let me decide. I called back the next day and said I had decided on Bruno.
I couldn’t believe how excited they were about my decision. They told me that he had been at the shelter the longest, and most likely it was because he was an all black cat. He has become my perfect home companion.
About 3 years later I went to get a companion for Bruno. I did not have in mind another black cat, but when I got there, there she was, Sabriel. They hit it off within 10 minutes of meeting. I guess I like the hard luck cases, and imagine that if there is ever to be another cat in my household, it will probably be another black cat.
I have 3 of the most loving black cats. All were rescues, all hand raised. Our local shelter has the worst time adopting out black cats except at Halloween. Too bad people are colour blind when it comes to cats!
Good on you! I have a very handsome black cat. He is Kitty Noir the Sheik of Sleek. Outrageously good looking, a charming flirt who is good with the ladies, LOL! My single female s all say that the want a man who gazes at them the way he does
Welcome home, Thomas! He is still exploring the basement, but he has met all the other cats now, included Dreaded Ella, the calico. She is so out-numbered — three blacks to one calico. Thank you once again, BCR, for adding to the richness of our family.
Im here today feeling like a kid at Christmas..I was recently asked to foster an 8 year old cat from Black Cat Rescue, and shes coming tomorrow. My kids and I already have 3 great cats..But we have a lot more room in our hearts for “Mama Kitty” Im very exited and thankful to be given the opportunity to foster this cat…Although I have not yet met this cat, I already love her and know that when she does find her “forever home” and she leaves us I will be a little heartbroken…At the same time, I will be thrilled to know she will be in a new and loving home!! So I hope tomorrow comes quickly!!!
I wish we had a black cat rescue here on Long Island as well! My two original cats are a polydactyl tabby and an all black long haired girl. She is my love. She used to sleep up by my head, wrapped around my arm with her head in my hand. When I got into rescue a few years ago, I ended up adopting 4 more, one at a time – rescues I didn’t have the heart to give up.
But recently at the colony I inherited a while back FIVE black cats showed up! 4 seemed to be of the same litter and then there was a smaller one that looked about 3 months old. I was able to just pick one up one night, when one of the “regulars” chased her off and I was afraid she was going to get hit by a car. I went over to make sure she was ok and didn’t run into the street and she just stood there and let me pick her up and I put her right into a kennel I had in my car! I got her in with a rescue group that adopts out at Petco. that was a few months ago. Then another one of them got very friendly and would run to me when I pulled up and just wanted to be pet and would almost jump in my car. I didn’t have any place to bring him as there was “no room at the inn” – none of the rescue groups had room. Especially, for a BLACK cat. They all had several they couldn’t place. THEN, the little one, after two months of never coming close, started coming out from the fence and sitting under a bush waiting to be fed. The other cats would chase him away too, so that was a safe place for him. When I would bring food to him, he’d sit there and I started reaching over to him and he let me pet him. Yay! Then I felt and heard him purr! But there still was no room for either of them anywhere, so I let them be. One night I had a horrible experience with one of the other black cats. That one started coming close and I could almost pet it. Unfortunately while feeding one night it literally fell over into the plate of food and died! I felt horrible. I was afraid it was poisoning, as this a-hole had tried it once (police were contacted, etc., he won’t try it again) but the fact he literally just fell over and died told me it was a heart attack or stroke and others confirmed it. sigh…
Well, I had to make a decision soon – I needed to at least get these boys fixed, but was praying space would open up at one of the rescues, as I didn’t want to just put them back. My prayers were answered! of course I was only able to get them one at a time – the little one disappeared for a few days during bad weather. the bigger one I named Cole, got him fixed shots, tested, deflea’d dewormed and kept him a few days. What a love! He is such a beatiful cat. He loves to be pet and just be with you.
I finally got the little one and what an adorable cutie! He’s got this compact little body with a short tail and round face and the softest fur ever. And purrs at the thought of you touching him! When he came back from the vet, they had him wrapped up in a towel to keep him comfortable and he looked like a little purring burrito, so I named him Purrito. 😀
They are both up for adoption at the Petco in Valley Stream Long Island and are both the sweetest things ever! I hope someone sees how beautiful and wonderful they are and that they don’t languish too long there. One of my rescues gave birth in my bathroom 3 days after I trapped her and three of the 4 kittens were adopted pretty much right away, but the black one was there for 5 months before the family who adopted one of his sisters couldn’t bear seeing him there any longer and adopted him too. Yet another sweet, playful, love of a cat that kept getting overlooked.
My good luck has brought 3 wonderful, sacred black cats in my life. Goodzilla, RIP, had a wonderful 21-year life. She went to sleep with the stars in February 2010 and I will cherish her always. It took me a while, but 6 weeks ago I adopted Zoe and Stella at a local shelter. They were rescued separately, but I believe they are twins, separated at birth. It’s uncanny. They are two peas in a pod. They were in the shelter for about 5 months… they are so beautiful I can’t imagine how these kittens were passed up for so long. At the moment, it is a purr fest, with Stella curled in my lap and Zoe trying to walk across the laptop keyboard. I am as blessed as they are and if you’ve read my post and are considering adoption, DO IT! Black cats are awesome.
We have Scarlet, our 11 year old solid black cat that’s been w/us for the last 7 years. She was adopted from our humane society and she’s the sweetest little cat we’ve ever had. I don’t understand why people are so superstitious and mean to the black kittys of the world. It shouldn’t matter what the color of they’re fur is. I can’t wait to get another black cat
My husband and I went to the shelter looking for two kittens. We were asked what color we preferred and when we said we didn’t care, we just wanted sweet kittens, they excitedly ushered us over to a cage with two black kittens and told us that they had trouble adopting out black cats (who knew?) and if no one adopted these boy kittens, they would likely not get adopted for years. Five months later we are so glad to have adopted Sagan and Hawking. They are the sweetest, cuddliest cats ever. They love to play with us and be petted. They are also very friendly and calm with strangers and accepting of dogs and kids. I don’t know if their sweet nature has anything to do with their coat color, but I think coat color is a silly reason to pass up a sweet and loving cat.
I have wonderful black cats who I couldn’t imagine being without. Dont get me wrong my orange tabby and my siamese are great but my 2 black cats are very very sweet!! One of my black cats his name is Echo only has one functioning eye. I was told when he was abandoned at the shelters front door he had an eye infection and the eye had shut down. He doesn’t let it stop him though! He is so loving! I cant believe that no one wanted him. My other black cat named Boo is a constant companion. He loves to be involved in everything and when your done he will sleep in your lap. I wish more people would give the black cats a chance. You will be rewarded with love and affection!
About 16 years ago, we found a solid black cat under a friends porch. We’re not quite sure what happen but she was extremely skittish around people, especially males. It could be that she was thrown out or abused and I wouldn’t put it past people in the area to do so because of her coat color. However, I’ve had the priveledge of knowing the wonderful affection of a black cat that we named Buddha (she’s got a little belly on her). She’s extremely loving and loyal. She loves to curl up next to me to sleep, begs like a dog for people food, and she talks A LOT. She’s adorable and I can’t imagine my life without her. She changed my perception on cats completely and I will never own a cat that isn’t black. I hope everyone who is looking to adopt a cat chooses a black one. I’ve had other cats before Buddha and I’ve known other people who have cats that aren’t black and they’re just not as friendly or loving. Maybe I’m biased but when it’s her time to go and when I’m ready, I’ll be looking for another black cat and call her Buddha 2. 🙂
Keep up the great work BCR!! I wish I didn’t live so far away. Maybe you can expand your organization to the midwest?
I am the proud mommy of three tuxedo ladies, Jasmine, Ebony, and Ivory.
I am so thrilled to have came across this site! My first cat as an adult was a rescued farm kitten, Tucker, that was completely black and THE best cat I have ever had.
My niece is leaving in the fall for college in Boston, her first rescued cat was a black cat named Hunter and she has volunteered for years working with the local cat rescue in her hometown. Her gift was a donation to your rescue, it seemed like a match made in heaven.
I just discovered your site. In England, black cats are considered GOOD luck. How sad that even today, people are prejudiced against these lovely creatures. I have had 2 black cats with just a touch of white and recently, when one died, I specifically set out to adopt two black cat brothers, specifically because they are so hard to place. One brother is ALL black, no white at all and his brother is a tuxedo cat. I consider myself so lucky to have such little loves in my life and I am glad that others feel the same way.
Wow. I was just listening to a podcast on Compassionate Cooks about how black cats get adopted far less than their other-colored counterparts. Dang! I was shocked. We have two puddies — one black and white tiger and one dark tortoiseshell and they are two of the coolest cats around. Neither is pure black, but the people at the shelters where I adopted them from over 13 years ago said that they had been up for adoption for a long long time.
Anywho, I’m putting you as a link on my website, and will post on my facebook account advertising your work. I’m guessing others don’t know about this tendency for black cats to be ignored by most.
Keep up the great work!!
Black cats are wonderful! I had my precious black boy Baal for 16 wonderful years and lost my sweet black Boo at the grand age of 21 just last year. Now I’m the proud mama of two rescues – a Tuxie and (shock!) a tabby – but black cats will always have my heart. Bless you for helping these great cats find forever homes! Black cats are GOOD luck!
Excellent idea to focus on black cats. I have two black cats (among others). One looks like a panther…..so sleek and elegant.
I have had many cats in my life , but this time I decided I wanted a beautiful all white cat, and I found him, but within 6 months had to return him to the shelter. He would bite and scratch everything in the house. He would grab my ankles and hold on. I still have scars after 2 years. I was told by the shelter to bring him back and they would place him on a farm. They did and he is doing a great job being a barn cat. So I went back to the same shelter and saw a black kitten alone in a cage. I picked her up and right away I knew she would by mine. She looked at me with those big yellow eyes for the longest time. I never thought of owning a black cat before, but once she was in may arms I became unaware of the color of her hair. So I took her home with me, and for the last 2 years she has been the most loving, sweetest and adorable cat I have ever had and at age 72 I have had many cats. And the best feeling in the world is when it’s time to go to bed, I turn off the lights, walk up the stairs, and right behind me is Charlotte…………
I love my black cat Merlin- he is the handsomest boy who has ever lived, he is charasmatic and so full of character that when he went to the vet they didn’t want to send him home. Black cats bring magic in to your life- adopt one today!!!!!
I got my black cat when she was a kitten; someone tried throwing her off a bridge, but he/she failed. As he/she no doubt will continue to do in life.
My favorite kitty is a black cat! We are best friends!
Hello fellow black cat lovers.i had two black cats.one of my babies i lost last night.my baby moonshadow was only 5 years old.she stopped eating last friday and dispite the wonderful care she recived from her vet,she came down with fatty liver disease and possible diabetes.she was getting weaker and i tried very hard to help her eat alittle bit.it did no good because she threw up just after i gave her a little food.last night she was throwing up blood so i took her back to her vet and she put my moonshadow to sleep to end her suffering.rest in peace my sweet baby moonshadow until we meet at the bridge.
Hello.my name is lori and i live in mandan north dakota.i had two black cats that were sisters.my beloved moonshadow was put to sleep last monday due to fatty liver disease.i love black cats alot and i would love another one but im not sure if her sister nightshade,would accept another.what can i do?
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I am a huge fan of Black kitties always and forever. They’re truly the best. During the course of my life, I’ve had 7 of them as my pets: Midnight, Sam, Ivan, Squee, Filthy, Cosmo and the latest arrival, Bibi. I always have claimed that they have the most unique personalities and find them to be very quirky, smart cats…I often will say they have a double dose of kitty personality.
My first cats were black cats when I was 10 yrs old: Midnight adopted herself to my family and also delivered a litter of 3 kittens in our garage. One of those kittens was black just like her and we kept him and named him Sammy. Sammy was very lovable and was a very sweet kitty to us kids. He thought it was his job to wake us kids up in the morning. My parents didn’t believe in having cats kept indoors at that time and Sammy liked to go visit the neighbors’ yards, too. Tragically, one day when he was about 4 yrs old, he never came home. We never knew what happened to him, but many years later it became apparent that we had had a very cruel pet-hating neighbor and if any animal or child so much as stepped the least bit into his yard, he would treat them with swift punishment, especially animals. We believe he was either taken to the pound or killed by this neighbor. I really missed Sam, as he was just so lovable and a wonderful pet. Midnight stayed with us until she was 11 years old, when she passed from FIP.
Later on in life, as an adult, and was ready to adopt my own cat, I didn’t want just any kitty but very specifically a baby black male kitty and I would name him Ivan. When a friend had a stray female cat deposit a litter of 5 kittens on her porch and 2 of them were black males, as soon as the little guy was old enough to be on his own, there was my Ivan. He was 6 weeks old when he came to live with me and from the get-go, had an overdose of exceptional kitty personality. He was into everything, had to participate in whatever I might be doing around my house, and hated to be left alone. If a serviceman came to do repairs or installations, he would insist on being the helper cat and be in the middle of it all. Ivan eventually had some other kitty brothers/sisters to keep him company, but he made it clear that he was very much the alpha cat, even well into his senior years. I always told Ivan that he was the “Bestest Black Kitty…EVER”. His unique personality and presence led to a term known as “Poose Cat” or it would be said that he was “poose-catting” around my house and Ivan was often referred to as “Poose”. As a young cat, he would come up with some very clever strategies for annoying my slightly older, however neurotic grey/orange tortoiseshell, who if annoyed, would let out some of the most horrific screams of protest. Ivan would get 2 of the other boys, Taz and Gabriel, to take up the left/right rear flanks so he could go in for the main event. Poor Jessie would be sleeping in the back enclosed patio on the cat sleeper shelf…and Ivan would go approach her, with the intent to corner her…and of course make her scream, much to his entertainment and delight, then a chase would take place. He clearly thought such things were a lot of fun and was most strategic about his “Poose Plans”. We lost Ivan only this past summer, on June 16, at the age of 17 years, 2 months. In the second half of his life, he dealt with a lot of health issues. Ivan lived much longer than expected, as he became diabetic at age 7, then got hyperthyroidism a few years later. He received a lot of shots and pills, but was generally very good natured about them… it was kidney failure that ultimately took his life. Ivan and all of his unique personality traits are very much missed every day, but we believe his spirit remains around my home, as there have been multiple instances in which things occur to let me know he’s still around.
I’ve also adopted Squee and her brother Filthy (the name is a story unto its own), Cosmo, a large black kitty with green eyes that seems to be part dog. Now I have Bibi as the latest adoptee, and at 7 months old, he is very hyper, into everything, announced himself as the new alpha cat at 9 weeks of age, pestering any and all other kitties and definitely has a lot of reminders of Ivan as a young cat…he definitely has that “Poose-cat” personality, for sure, and I think that Ivan whispers very special “Poose Plans” and ideas into his head in spirit…
I have 12 cats of which 8 are Black. Also have a Border-Collie mix
that thinks they’re sheep. She’s a Herder breed.
Save A Life…..Adopt A Homeless Animal !
Black cats are wonderful. I have a great one named Bad Cat who will be turning 3 years old this summer. I found him as an abandoned kitten in some bushes downstairs from an apartment I once lived in and he has been my cat ever since. He is extremely intelligent, and has learned to open doors, among other things. Although his curiosity often leads to trouble (hence his name), Bad Cat has been a wonderful addition to my home and family, and now I can’t imagine what life would be like without him.
I am a huge fan of Black kitties always and forever. They’re truly the best. During the course of my life, I’ve had 7 of them as my pets: Midnight, Sam, Ivan, Squee, Filthy, Cosmo and the latest arrival, Bibi. I have always claimed that they have the most unique personalities and are very quirky, smart cats…I often say they have a double dose of kitty personality!
My very first cats were black cats when I was 10 yrs old: Midnight adopted herself to my family and then delivered a litter of 3 kittens in our garage. One of those kittens was black and looked just like her, except it was male — we kept him and named him Sammy. Sammy was very lovable and was a very sweet kitty to us kids. He thought it was his job to wake us kids up in the morning. My parents didn’t believe in having cats kept indoors at that time and Sammy liked to go visit the neighbors’ yards, too. Tragically, one day when he was about 4 yrs old, he never came home. We never knew what happened to him, but many years later it became apparent that we had had a very cruel pet-hating neighbor and if any animal or child so much as stepped the least bit into his yard, he would treat them with swift punishment, especially animals. We believe he was either taken to the pound or killed by this neighbor. I really missed Sam, as he was just so lovable and a wonderful black kitty friend. Midnight stayed with us until she was 11 years old, when she passed from FIP.
Later on in life, as an adult, and was ready to adopt my own cat, I didn’t want just any kitty but I made it apparent that very specifically I wanted to adopt a baby black male kitty and I would name him Ivan. When a friend had a stray female cat deposit a litter of 5 kittens on her porch and 2 of them were black males, as soon as the little guy was old enough to be on his own, there was my Ivan. He was 6 weeks old when he came to live with me and from the get-go, had an overdose of exceptional kitty personality. He was into EVERYTHING, had to participate in whatever I might be doing around my house, and hated to be left alone (he would yowl for hours in protest!). If a serviceman came to do repairs or installations, he would insist on being the helper cat and be in the middle of it all. Ivan eventually had some other kitty brothers/sisters to keep him company, but he made it clear that he was very much the alpha cat, even well into his senior years. I always told Ivan that he was the “Bestest Black Kitty…EVER”. His unique personality and presence led to a term known as “Poose Cat” or it would be said that he was “poose-catting” around my house and Ivan was often referred to as the “Poose”. One example of “poose-catting”: as a young cat, he would come up with some very clever strategies for annoying my slightly older, however neurotic grey/orange tortoiseshell, who if annoyed, would let out some of the most horrific screams of protest. Ivan would get 2 of the other boys, Taz and Gabriel, to take up the left/right rear flanks (hence named “The Ivan Brigade”) so he could go in for the main event. Poor Jessie would be sleeping in the back enclosed patio on the cat sleeper shelf…and Ivan would go approach her, with the intent to corner her…and of course make her scream, much to his entertainment and delight, then a chase would take place. He clearly thought such things were a lot of fun and was most strategic about his “Poose Plans”. I lost Ivan only this past summer, on June 16, at the age of 17 years, 2 months. In the second half of his life, he dealt with a lot of health issues. Ivan lived much longer than expected, as he became diabetic at age 7, then got hyperthyroidism a few years later. He received a lot of shots and pills, but was generally very good natured about them…but it was kidney failure that ultimately took his life. Ivan and all of his unique personality traits are very much missed every day, but we believe his spirit remains around my home, as there have been multiple instances in which things occur to let me know he’s still around.
I’ve also adopted Squee and her brother Filthy (the name is a story unto its own), Cosmo, a large black kitty with green eyes that seems to be part dog. And now I have Bibi as the latest adoptee, who at 9 months old, is very hyper, into EVERYTHING, announced himself as the new alpha cat at 9 weeks of age, pestering any and all other kitties and definitely has a lot of reminders of Ivan as a young cat…he definitely has that “Poose-cat” personality trait, for sure, and I think that Ivan whispers very special “Poose Plans” and ideas into his head in spirit…
My heart definitely holds a very special place for Black Cats always and forever…
How lucky to have a black cat cross paths in you life!
This is amazing! I was writing a blog today about my black kitties and I was thinking how I should start a black animal rescue. HA! It is sad how black cats and dogs are the last to be adopted in shelters and the most often euthanized. 😦 Thank you for what you do! It is admirable. All the best!
Hi, I live on the east coast Canada and we recently lost our Black Cat of 14years. My neighbour told me about the odds of black cat adoptions and I was amazed to hear this. Moosie was important to my Senior Aged Mom for he recognized her need to be needed and in his own way gave her so much more than companionship.
It’s too soon to consider adopting another member to our family but I know it will be another cat that has less of a chance for adoption.
I was devastated when I lost my first “Blackie” two years ago to coyotes. Last year for my birthday, my daughters got me “Blackie II”. She was a rescue cat, found living on the streets. She is so sweet and friendly. She comes when I call her, sleeps beside me every night, and “talks” to me in her black cat language. Anyone who is hesitant about adopting a black cat shouldn’t be. Give a “Blackie” a chance. You’ll be glad you did!
When my 3 cats I grew up with all eventually got old and died I missed them. I moved out on my own soon after the last one dies and I waited a few months to get settled in before deciding to adopt. I knew in my mind I wanted a black cat though because I know how badly they’re treated and looked upon all because of stupid superstitions based on no fact whotsover. The only thing that’s bad luck is stupidity and the ones who lose out are the sweet black cats. I went to an animal shelter nearby hoping I’d find a black cat and to my surprise there were a little of 3 5 month old sibling black cats are curled up together in a cage. I only wanted one so it was a hard choice. The male was the largest… but I’d only ever had male cats so I was comfortable with that. The cutest was one of the 2 females but she was the shyest too. The friendliest (constantly purrs) of the 3 was the other female. I said I’d take her. She’s still a fairly shy cat, hides from strangers but with me (and even my boyfriend now!) she’s the most affectionate sweet cat. Unlike my older ones, this cat has never scratched me or hissed and she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. The other 3 cats went through a lot though since they were indoor/outdoor. I shelter this one in the comfort of my large apartment and she sleeps in my satin sheets and leather couch… she’s spoiled!! I love her so much and I encourage anyone who’s looking to adopt, to adopt a black cat in need. Best decision I made and I feed her Blue Buffalo indoor formula and she never throws up because she eats healthy! That’s a huge plus too. haha. That’s my girl, Salem. 🙂
My cat Zeus passed Saturday May 26th. He was a beautiful Black cat. He was ferrel when I found him and I bottled
raised him. GOD truly sent me a blessing
, he was the most loving cat I have ever had. I can honesty say we saved each other he was there with me when my Dad died, through my cancer. We saved each other. What ever crazy notions people have about blacku cats they need to realize what year it is. Look into the eyes of a homeless cat, black, gray,they want the same thing love.
Thank you for helping these cats. I have 4 black cats, all orphans. One was bottle raised (she also has a brittle bone disease), the other 3 are siblings. You can see them in one of the photo albums on my facebook page called “Cats in my world”. I also have 7 other kitties. All are loving, gorgeous, special family members to me.
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I think what you do is great. I had a black cat named Flash who sadly passed away at only five years old. Best of luck to you.
I don’t believe there is a relationship between a cat’s fur color and its personality. But my three favorite cats: my childhood cat (Shadow), my longest-living cat (Noche), and my current cat (Panther) have all been black short hair male cats. Each has been full of love and generosity.
Perhaps I have a special appreciation of the often unloved black cats, due to my positive experiences with them. I wish that those with irrational fears could have the fortune of meeting a wonderful black cat. I feel so sad to hear of black cats being euthanized simply because nobody wanted them, for some idiotic fear based of nothing.
I rarely wish harm on anyone, but I do pray for justice for those who would obtain a black cat for the purposes of torturing the poor animals.
I wish we had a black cat rescue here in Asheville NC. I have been fostering a beautiful black boy who was abandoned and neglected by his original adoptive human. He is so playful, gentle and super friendly to other cats and people. I’ve had 2 black cats of my own in the past and, yes, they are exceptionally wonderful house companions. But it is so hard to find safe, good adoptive homes for adult cats and esp. adult black cats…. Can you guys place a black cat with a Southern accent? Just sayin’….
I googled “black cat rescue” just for the heck of it, I am a foster momma and ended up adopting the black kitty from the bunch because she was having a difficult time getting adopted and I just loved her so much! Like so many other comments on here, I think she looks gorgeous and my family thinks she is “spooky”… again, she is beautiful with her stunning green eyes and plush long coat. I am fostering again, a litter of 5, and only 1 made it to six weeks without their mom… a black kitten. I want to adopt him too but I’ll be moving and it might not be practical. However, I toyed with my boyfriend about opening a black cat rescue… glad to see I’m not the only one. I also volunteer at the SPCA and it is true…. black cats hang out there much MUCH longer 😦 Keep up the good work!
I have a rescued black cat, named Tommy. He is the most beautiful and playful cat I have ever had. His previous owners used to beat him because he wasn’t affectionate enough for their taste. Indeed, he is a little more independent, but he can be affectionate too if left to chose the moment. Anyways, I have taken him because I couldn’t stand seeing him suffer and these days he lives happily at my mother’s house, with lots of open space to explore, he is one happy cat now and loves to wonder in the tall grass. Only narrow people would avoid adopting a black cat!
I just adopted an almost all black polydactyl (extra toes) 5 month old kitten from a local rescue organization. He has one tiny white patch under his chin. Poor thing..it was double jeopardy for him, not only was he black, he was “deformed” (yes, I’ve heard this) I thought my buff cat was a sweetie, but this little guy is the most affectionate, loving cat I’ve ever had. Took a while for the 8 year old buff to adjust to his “brother” but they play all the time now. I think what you’re doing is great. Wish I lived closer to help you out some. Our local shelters actually have to hide the black cats at Halloween to keep people with ulterior motives from trying to adopt them. Unbelievable.
I always wanted to adopt a couple cats from a shelter, but, sadly, that dream has yet to come to fruition.
However, my mom never spayed her cat, and, lo and behold, a litter was born. Most found homes, but three remained. A female tabby, a fluffy gray male (claiming ignorance on the proper terminology on this one), and an all black female. I took all three, because I didn’t think it would be right to break up the team, and I’ve never really cared about the color or origin of a cat, I just really enjoy cats.
My other cats are terrific little kids, but this is a site about black cats. I call her Black Kitty (I have a thing about names, but that is a tangent for another day), she is probably the most vocal of the group. She meows at me, I meow back, she responds and this goes on and on. What she talks about, be it the upcoming presidential election, college football starting, or maybe she read the girlfriend’s US Weekly (btw, gf is a dog person. Boo, hiss, lets get her!), I have no idea. But she has something on her mind and wishes to share it with me. So I entertain it, along with some petting. This pleases her. She’ll be the first to follow me around the apartment, probably just keeping tabs on what I’m up to (she’s a curious sort, able to open cupboards, closets, drawers. Smart little one, she is). She also doesn’t take any guff from the gray cat, who has a couple pounds on her (he’s a bit on an instigator).
Recently, it came to my attention via the Howard Stern Show during Robin Quiver’s new segment about how black cats are almost reviled (don’t hate, Howard and his wife Beth have done wonderful things for animals through North Shore Animal League, including adopting numerous cats, as well as coming down on people for discriminating against black cats during that segment. Also, its worth pointing out Robin Quivers had numerous cats). I thought the news story to be a joke, much like the ‘superstition’ that black cats bring bad luck. I never realized it was a whole thing.
So, while my faith in humanity has tumbled more, I will make up for it with my love for, not just my black cat, but for all cats. Because color shouldn’t matter.
A parting note; big ups to my step mother Tracey for being a black lover since the day I met her when I was 8 years old.
About a year ago, I went to the Humane Society to look for a kitty that ‘spoke to me’. Not having any luck (or so I thought), on my way out I passed a large, tall cage with a small, black female cat. I looked at the tag on her cage and she’d been there almost six months! I was one of those that didn’t give black cats a second glance, but her – I fell in love with her and just couldn’t leave her there. I took her home the next day. (I had to go home and get things in place for her to adjust to our other kitty.) Keisha is the sweetest, most loving cat I’ve ever had in the past forty years. She follows me around the house, talks to me, and insists that my lap is HER domain. My only regret is taking so long to have a black cat in my life!
Being creeped out makes no sense! We aren’t medieval witch hunters!
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I had to most wonderful cat in the world. He was my best friend. We took walks through the woods together everyday. He was always by my side. He had renal failure and I had to put him to sleep last week. I cry everyday and think I see him in every shadow. I feel so bad about putting him to sleep. I do not know if I did the right thing. I feel guilty.
I did not plan to get a black cat. I was baby-sitting him when his owner died. I kept him because he needed a home. Years passed, my three children grew and left home and cat and I were still together. My children got me a picture frame for this mother day’s. They put put a picture of my favorite child in the frame. They joked that they knew I loved the cat more than them and put a picture of my cat in the frame.
Maybe someday I will be lucky enough to find another black cat to love.
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Keep up the good work 🙂 !! Peace
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I have a black cat his name is panther and I love my cat he is my baby. I love what you guys are doing.
i have a black cat aged 13 called salum 🙂 hes my baby boy! his owner before him was going to leave him on the streets so i took him. hes best cat ever!! hes very timmed and like a typical male only 1 woman knows the real salum. plus hes fuuny when strangers come in as he hids in black places and pounces out to scare them away. what you guys do is amazing and im sure black cats love you for all the work you do!!. great respect.
I love this!! Black cats are such special animals, with incredible personalities! Our only family pet is our 6 month old black kitten. She plays with our kids (6years old & 16 months) more loyaly, lovingly, gently, and consistently than any dog I’ve known.
Please let me know how I can help.
Wanted to leave my black cat story. Not quite a yr ago I was driving home from work and saw a strange “spot” in the middle of the rd. Stopped, got out, and discovered it was a little black kitten that I had almost run over. After 3 attempts to put him back on the sidewalk with him following me back to the car while I blocked traffic, he came home with me. Not sure how old he was, but he was tiny. Now he is a 1yr “little man”. He is such a sweetheart
I have a black cat, it’s name is Tom.
We found it on the street.
Me and my brother love it a lot.
Here you have it’s blog link:
http://tomtheblackcat.blogspot.com.es/
Katrina thank you for saving the little fellow’s life. You are an angel. I “adopted” a one year old male black cat after a case of owner neglect. He was almost adopted out twice. One couple backed out b/c they decided to get a kitten. The other told me that there were coyotes in their backyard, and since the cat was due to be an “in/out” kitty, that was a non-starter in everyone’s opinion. He is now 2 years old, still with me, and a treasured member of the indoor household. In fact, he is a terrific socializer. He taught my cats how to play/chase with him, and he just loves on both of them so much. Now my male cat no longer jumps and bites on his sister b/c he has a rough and tumbler best friend instead! He is my 3d black cat and like the others, he is a jewel.
I’m glad this place exists. I’m so pissed at European superstition for giving black cats a bad name.
I have always had black cats , there is something special about black pussy cats. Sadly my lovely black pussy cat called olivia ollie for short passed away in our arms on friday morning after ashore period of illness, she was a lovely old lady who brought great happiness into our lives on a daily basis.Sometime in the future we will get another black pussy cat but it will take us a while to get over our loss. So sad, we are english and all this rubbish about black cats being witches cats does not exist in our home
Say a little prayer for our ollie.
Can you please direct me to any black cat rescues you know of in the Southern California region? Thank you.
I just adopted a black cat 2 days ago from my local spca. He is wonderful !! So loving and purrs all the time… I hope more people look to adopting black cats. Of the 40 plus cats at our shelter he came up and greeted us first !!
So very sorry for your loss, Bill. A prayer for your Ollie and for you and the rest of your family. Sweet story.
You do great work and i am going to reblog your site onto mine to advertise it farther. I have been a witch for 33 years and have always had cats and now have my 2 black cats – 13+ year old Shadow cat and 8 year old spider cat. Blessings.
I was amazed to learn about the lower odds of black cats getting adopted too, never even mind the shocking Halloween idiocy. How sad! But I got lucky because of this, and I like to think my big sweetheart feels the same. When a dear kitty passed, I wanted to get my lonely little girl cat a big bro. I went to the local SPCA after looking at some cats online. ‘Samurai’ had caught my eye–he was sleek, handsome and pure black–but at first I had my eye on a tabby who reminded me of one I’d recently loved and lost. The tabby was closer to my girl cat’s age. Fate intervened, though. There were people adopting the tabby right then and there! All the others were females– Sam was the only male. I’d seen him online but had to ask where he was. Turned out he was in a bottom cage, back out of the way, almost hidden. He’d been there longer than pretty much all the others. And all the shelter volunteers loved him dearly and wanted to make sure he went to a good home. (Bless them!) They put Sam and me in a room to spend time together seeing if we clicked. They were watching closely! I’d made a rather dumb, totally kidding remark about him ‘crossing my path’ –not knowing that there are very bad people out there who take that stuff seriously! Anyway, it was love at first sight, and I guess I qualified–I took him home that day. (The shelter folks were sad to see him go, too.) He looks like a miniature panther, and has the sweetest, quirky personality. He’s very smart, and lately has taken to insisting that I give him a drink from the bathroom sink faucet every time I’m there. He TALKS me into it. I call him Talky Sam–I love his voice! We have these conversations back and forth: “Brrt?” “Brrrt!” and so forth. My girl cat and I both think he’s gorgeous. Pretty soon I think he’ll learn to turn on the faucet himself, and hopefully, turn it off when he’s done. Both Sam and the other all-black cat I had growing up, Blackie, could turn door handles and let themselves out, if not for the door being locked. These are very smart cats, and they have a lot to say, in their wonderful plaintive voices. I had a great couple of black and white tuxedo cats for many years as well, Fred and Noogie. Four of the greatest loves of my life. Well, I have to include my gorgeous dark tortie girl too, Mitzi aka Zizzi. So that’s five. She’s mostly black 🙂 Bless you and thank you for the wonderful work you do. I will pass on your site. There should be a black cat rescue in every state.
I just heard about this organization.
You guys are the best! I wish I lived closer to help out.
I have to black cats myself. Since I was a little girl my family always had cats. Ever since I got my first black cat when I was about 10 years old I can’t live without them.
I love all cats but my hart is full of black fur. I truly believe that black cats are actually easier to love. Their personality outshines their extremely shiny coat.
I had just found out this organization from browsing twitter and I think you are wonderful, wonderful people to have something like this. About 2 months ago, I adopted my first cat, an 8 year old black cat from my college’s cat shelter. The women running the shelter had told me that she’d been here for 6 months without anyone as much as giving her a second glance. I was originally looking for a younger cat, but once she brought my little Luna out, I knew right away that she was mine. As I was leaving the adoption area, a women had the gall to walk up to me and ask “Are you going to preform an exorcism to get the devil out of that cat?” I was so livid that I told her that she is a closed-minded, superstitious old bat and that she needed to educate herself. I can’t believe that some people still think like that… It breaks my heart to know that loving black cats aren’t finding homes because of these stupid superstitions.
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I’ve been following black cat rescue from West Palm Beach since I lost my black cat who came to me as a stray and it’s the biggest regret of my life. I had to change residences and, Little Sid.. Got lost in a Beachtown. Anyways, I grew up in the Farmington Valley and I am here right now and so happy to be closer to your organization. I would like to adopt a young male black cat. I understand the statistics, and that is why.
I never really thought about anyone not wanting a black cat. I have had five in my life (two at present) and they are awesome (one current is a bit persnickety)! If I were choosing a cat, I would be looking for a black cat. Considering that all of my seven are rescue I haven’t been able to choose and will probably never be a chooser. My first cat as a child was black and she was beyond a shadow the smartest cat I have known. My older sister would whistle from her 2nd story bedroom, and drop a basket from her window. Bodah, the cat, would climb aboard and my sister would secretly hoist Bodah into her bedroom. She ended up being a road traveler visiting many US states, played hide and seek, tag (literally taping you when she found you) and would often wake you with a playful bite to the nose. She also did not believe in homework ..ripping apart mine most of the time…..She put me through elementary school, middle, high school, college, and into my career before she said her goodbyes. I know one day I will be seeing her again at the Rainbow Bridge.
I adopted a black cat that was found being chased and hit by a group of children (awful right!?). When she first came home she was super tiny and emaciated looking. She was full of fleas and worms and it seemed like she had no chance in this world from the start. My little girl is healthy and beautiful now. Ive always been obsessed with Audrey hepburn and my little girl Pandora reminds me of Audrey in the ‘Funny Face’ black suit. 🙂 I honestly wouldn’t give my girl up for anything. She brings me so much joy and I’m super thankful that I’ve been provided with such a sweet little companion.