“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Black Cat Awareness Day Oct 27, 2012

Time again to remember our feline friends, of the black variety. In this country, black cats have had a rough time of it. They have long been on the receiving end of negative stereotypes which has resulted in hundreds if not thousands of needless deaths. The familiar image of a black cat with an arched back and raised fur with its tail upright is frequently used for Halloween or to signify some sort of bad luck.

Throughout history, black cats have been viewed as mysterious and even supernatural. They have been associated with witchcraft and misfortune. These ideas have been fueled by writers and film makers and have helped to reinforce this horrible stereotype against black cats. Unfortunately this has led to misconceptions about black cats that has set them up for harm and abuse.

Now I have to say that I love to see black cats, especially at Halloween! I do think they are mysterious and maybe even supernatural, but not in a bad way! I love black cats! Below is my first black cat, he found me and we were together for over 18 years! He was a super cool cat and he was amazing and lovable. I wish we could start to adopt a more loving view of black cats in this country.

Cocoa in the garden  (1991-2009)

I read that in Australia and Britain and other parts of the world where black is a protective color, black cats are considered lucky. In Ancient Egypt, cats were sacred and a home that kept a black cat was even more blessed. The ancient Celts believed that black cats were reincarnated beings who could foretell the future. Cats have always been associated with motherhood, protection, love and fertility. In Scotland, it was believed that if a black cat crossed your path that good fortune would come your way.  Maybe my Scottish heritage has something to do with my love of black cats!


"The purity of a person's heart can be quickly
               measured by how they regard cats."
                                                               Anonymous




Beautiful!
Black cat



Magical!

Black Cat And Mockorange


Curious!


Black Cat

Awwwww! Cute!

Black Cat Brooch

Lovely!


Black cat in red feathers





This is one unhappy cat!


black cat wearing hat with ears




Black cats are frequently passed over for adoption 
and are euthanized more than any other type of cat. 
Please consider a black cat when adopting.

My adopted kitten .... Guy Noir, curious, playful and happy!

Source: Black Cat Folklore

19 comments:

  1. O wow, Cocoa was stunning, just beautiful. And aw, look at little Guy Noir, with his wonderful attitude to life -- he needs to be smothered with cuddles RIGHT NOW!!

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    1. Cocoa was always a beautiful cat, part Persian. He wandered onto our deck when he was about four months old and decided to stay! Guy often reaches up to me to pick him up for his cuddles, he's still a baby (just 6 mos. old). He is loving all the leaves right now and has to bring them in the house to play with them!

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  2. What an informative post! In our area, most of the humane societies will not adopt out black cats during the month of October. When I rescued my Punkie (a black cat), I made a decision to always have a black cat. I just love them! When my family owned a print shop we found a black cat in our parking lot and we named her Sabrina. We took her in, but unfortunately we lost her after 6 short months because of complications due to feline leukemia. She was probably the most affectionate cat I've ever seen.

    I work with animals on a daily basis and I hear way too many horror stories. But that said, I will say that there are more good people who want to help animals of all kinds than there are the bad.

    And may I add a bit of advice to your readers? If you have a black cat, please keep them safely inside during this Halloween season.

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    1. Yes it is true, most shelters do not adopt out black cats during October. As you see in the picture of Guy, he is kept on a short leash and I always supervise his outings, especially near Halloween!

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  3. Cocoa - great name for a beautiful cat! I've always thought that black cats were both beautiful and lucky. Being white and fluffy myself, it's probably a case of opposites attract! Little Guy Noir is proof that black kitties are both gorgeous and charming. I love his magnificent swishy tail.

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    1. I have never had an all white cat. Growing up I had a fluffy cat that was all white except for a bit of calico around her ears and head. She was gorgeous! Sulky your white fur is lovely too and you have beautiful eyes!

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  4. I had no idea there was a black cat awareness day! I’m from the UK and have always considered black cats to be lucky although I know some people don’t.
    One of my dad’s sayings was –if you trip over a black cat you're unlucky, if you don’t you’re not!
    I love all your pictures especially the ones of Cocoa and Guy Noir.

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    1. Actually it started in the UK! The cute black cat cards with the poem "purity.." and "come fly ..." are by Fishykins who is from Brighton, England, UK. Check out her shop, she has darling stuff.

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  5. Oh, Cocoa is adorable! 18 years together? That is wonderful. And you are so right about black cats. They get a really bad rap, and are usually passed over at the humane society. How sad, because they are no less beautiful than any other cat. We adopted a black cat almost three years ago, and she is the most wonderful one I've ever had.

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  6. Oh I so agree with you ... we will always have a black cat ... our first, Spookie, was a barn kittie that we rescued and I still miss her ... now we have Puffie, again rescued (all four of our ours are rescued). It's a shame that some people are still so ignorant and are driven by their fears ... I do believe that the so-called witches were the medicine women of Europe and lots of wisdom was lost. Why in the world the black cat is feared is beyond me. I wonder why some Americans in particular seem so backwards. Oh, well, I'll just keep on thinking positive and I know that helps.
    Love and Light to all

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    1. Here is my understanding of how this occurred. Way back during the witch trials in Salem MA, older single women were targeted mainly to get a hold of their property. Often these were single sometimes lesbian women or widows who had property or some wealth and lived alone. Some of them may have been what you are calling medicine women or herbalists. Often these ladies had no close heirs and occasionally for company would keep cats. Probably not all black, but somehow black cats became associated with these women that they labeled witches. I think after this all started it was a way of getting rid of pretty much anybody in town that they didn't like. This prejudice against modern day "witches" and black cats still persist. In some ways we are very backward in this country!

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  7. Dear Diane - this was a wonderful post - I have had four black cats in my life - Sheeba lived to be 18 too - so I can identify with Cocoa - thanks for passing on this information - Guy is beautiful - have a great day!!

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  8. Fabulous post and tribute to all black cats..I have always adored black cats..i have a deep love and affinity for them..pure magic and beautiful souls! I love yours! Wonderful art and photos...so stunning..shine on black cat magic!
    Victoria

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  9. Hi Diane ;o) I noticed you follow a lot of blogs that I do! I love your blog! And, I love this post! I love all cats! They have a special place in my heart, next to my crows. I especially love black cats! For me, they protect against negative people around you. They are lucky! I love your adopted kitten! Many blessings, Stacy

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    1. Welcome Stacy! I agree with you black crows and black cats have a lot in common and have been treated poorly over the years! They need lots of love!

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  10. Wow Diane I had no idea of the history of black cats in America, and you're right here in Australia we see black cats as a stroke of good luck. TFS all the beautiful photos.

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  11. A wonderful tribute to black cats! All cats are magnificent and a blessing to whoever cares for them. I love the little illustration "Come fly with me" and I'm stealing it, ha ha!

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  12. Oh this is a lovely post Diane - and you managed to find such beautiful photographs. The paw reading illustration is brilliant - a real classic!

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  13. This s perfect. Enough of blaming poor cats for superstition.

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