Did you know that August 17th is Black Cat Appreciation Day? I didn’t either and I’m a cat person! Well, I’m human and learn something new every day. However, what I do know is that black cats get a bad reputation due to societal superstitions for the longest time. I have volunteered on and off throughout the years. What I can tell you is that white kittens often get chosen first over black cats. Sometimes it is just a matter of being seen that makes it hard for black cats to be adopted.
I spent some time at a cat cafe a couple of years ago in New York City. I wrote a blog post about my visit. You can read about it in my blog post called My Visit to Meow Parlour. Since I wrote that post the location has now closed however their mission to get cats adopted still remains alive. Their website remains active and although they are not taking reservations, online shopping of their store is available at this time.
Reminiscing of my experience years ago in the Big Apple, here are a few pictures I took with one of the black cats at the Meow Parlour. I forget his name but he was a mellow friendly long hair cat. Fortunately, he got adopted. Not all animals are so lucky, so I encourage anybody who is ready and willing to make the lifetime commitment to adopt from a shelter and save a life.
Visiting the Meow Parlour, NYC
If you are interested in learning more about Meow Parlour, check out their website for more information here.
What do you think of Black cats? Are you superstitious? Do you have a black cat? Comment and share your thoughts below!
You can read more about my experience with fostering, including one special fellow named Sir Penguin Kittyworth using the hyperlinks below.
29 Comments
Kristen @ My 3 Little Kittens
Love your photos!!! The best thing that can happen to one’s life is having a black cat to share it with. I lost my sweet house panther last year. His name was Cubby and I have never met such a loving and genuinely kind kitty. I miss him every day!!!!
Kamira Gayle
Thanks Kristen! Sorry to hear about Cubby though. I know how you feel. They leave an impression on your heart forever.
Paroma
Even black dogs are adopted last! So unfair and stupid! Our next one from the shelter will definitely be a wagging tailed one with jet black fur:-)
Kamira Gayle
🙂 So true about Black dogs too.
The Daily Pip
I have also volunteered at several shelters and you are right, there is always so many beautiful black cats that get overlooked or just plain ignored. I have always had black cats and pretty much love them.
Kamira Gayle
Cool!
Heather Wallace
You had me at black cat. My cat, Puck, was a short-haired black cat and I loved him so much. I am slightly superstitious, but I actually think black cats are good luck. Every day they should be appreciated!
Kamira Gayle
I love that name Puck. I agree!
Shelby @ For The Love of Paws
I am ALL about this day!! It’s so sad to me that these are the cats left in the shelters because of their fur color. 🙁
Kamira Gayle
I know right?!
Holly Montgomery
I am a photographer and we have chatted about the black cat adoption “issue” before and we figure a lot of it has to do with not being able to grab a great adoption photo and that’s all due to technical issues with cameras. Photographing them in really great light, with their eyes facing a window or other light source, really helps… But this sadly is a thing which is a bummer because some of the sweetest kitties I have met are black ones.
Kamira Gayle
Great points Holly! That makes sense.
The Dash Kitten Crew
I remember that someone said that black fur, and darker skin, needs a little help from natural light. While pale cats (and people) can look washed out and pasty, darker fur and skin absorbs a lot of light to needs a little gentle help.
How do I know? I learned the hard way trying to take pictures of our longhaired black cat Phoebe. She is gorgeous and lovely – and looks like a blob on many photographs *sigh*.
OK so I need to add Meow Parlour to my next visit to the USA – RIGHT!!!!!!
Kamira Gayle
Aww…I guess natural light or special lighting or flash would be best for photos. I know as a brown girl if I don’t get enough sun, I fall short in Vitamin D department. 😉 Yes, visit Meow Parlour, it’s a cool experience and sometimes they have themed events like Drag Bingo or Yoga…so New York!
Debbie Bailey
Looks like such a great visit! I knew National Black Cat Day existed only because my mom has had black cats for a few years now. But our new rescue cats are black, so we definitely had reason to celebrate this year! <3 Perfect timing too.
Kamira Gayle
Yes! I remember your blog about the rescue. Those little ones are adorable and so lucky to have a loving home.
Lorie Ham
Black cats are the best I think it’s awful that so many people refuse to adopt them. Yay on Black Cat Appreciation day!
Kamira Gayle
Right? I will definitely consider it when I’m ready to adopt!
Sweet Purrfections
I hate that black cats (and dogs) get such a bad rap! I think they are beautiful cats! I thought about a black Persian when I was searching for the girls.
Elizabeth Keene
I’d love to visit Meow Parlour sometime! I met the owner in Brooklyn at a Purina event a couple years ago. She was very nice. But black cats…they’re awesome! Every day! Thanks for shedding light on this special occasion.
Kamira Gayle
That’s pretty cool you met the owner. Glad to share. 🙂
Beth
My cat is a tuxedo cat, so I guess he doesn’t qualify as a black cat. One of my sisters had 4 black cats at the same time, and they were all really lovable, friendly, wonderful cats. I am not superstitious about black cats!
Kia
Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day! I didn’t know about this day, but I have heard about black cats not getting as much love as others. That’s unfortunate and I hope that changes. We are getting a cat cafe in my area soon. I have just started hearing about this type of thing. Very cool!
Dorothy "FiveSibesMom"
I love black cats! I had one growing up named T.C. (Top Cat) and my daughter rehabilitated a neighborhood feral kitten my other adopted cat had brought home years ago! He visits every now and again, but has befriended our whole neighborhood now! I miss the days he was just with us…but he is a vetted, healthy, happy beautiful black cat!
Kamira Gayle
So sweet! 🙂
Delores overby
That is just lovely. The black cat in a box. I remember in the old days they would say don’t let a black cat cross your path, because you would have bad luck. That’s not true at all. Black cats are BEAUTIFUL. Period.
Kamira Gayle
I agree. They are some of the most misunderstood cats! They are actually very beautiful and I’ve never met a mean black cat.
Susan Lattuca
I had a black long haired cat that was the most wonderful loving cat I have ever had the pleasure of owning & knowing. She is passed now. I was given a short haired black cat that is undoubtedly the most mean tempered cat I have ever known. She attacked me for a month after I took her in. This is the closest to comparing a cat to a wild cat there is, except she came from someones home. I respect her & treat her well. We have had an understanding but is not one to be messed with at all. I love all cats so that is not the question.
Admin
Susan, Ha! I understand what you mean. My heart cat was a long haired cat and my other was a temperamental cat ; a short hair. I loved them both to pieces but they were definitely different. I can relate. I’m sorry for your loss of your long haired cat. Thanks for sharing your insight!