Black cats have had a bum rap throughout history

Buddy says, "Black is the new color black" in felines. Why do we say that? We champion the case of all black felines.

Just before Oct. 1, when the black cat adoptions cease (unless we know you as a previous adopting family), all black felines will not be available for adoption.

From today, Sept. 28, through Sept. 30, The Buddy Foundation will host a black ribbon event for black and mostly black cats. I am consistently puzzled why we have to go though the struggle of finding black felines homes.

Black cats throughout ancient history and into modern times have been treated disparately when felines of color are part of the mix, both favorably and unfavorably, to just plain cruel.

In ancient Egypt, the black cat is the deity Bastet, which represents prosperity and truth. The deity is often represented as a female figure with a black cat head. Most households in Egypt had many black or dark-colored cats to gain favor with the deity. Temple walls and art of the day were replete with black felines.

In Celtic folklore, a big black feline with a white mark on its chest is called Sith. There is a division in Celtic belief whether Sith was a fairy or a witch. The association with black here is both lucky and unlucky. The meaning of the white spot is not clear.

Black felines experienced their worst fate in Europe in the Middle Ages, and in this country during the New England witch hunts.

No one can give the black felines credit for the plague of the Middle Ages. To the contrary, killing black felines heightened the plague. Fewer cats translates to more rodents to spread disease.

Early North American folklore is full of stories of witches showing themselves as black felines. A black feline can freely walk around at night, easily unnoticed, until you see the eyes. It is normal human nature to be afraid of what startles us.

More positive influences of black cats can be found as we creep to modern times. Sailors have always welcomed all cats, including black. They were considered good luck for a safe voyage. If the black cats were polydactyl (extra toes) they were even larger symbols of good luck

In Japan, black cats are considered good luck. I learned at an international cat show just how much they adore all cats. In fact, the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) recognizes 22 breeds that are totally black. People who just love their felines have gotten over the negative connotations of the past.

Now all we have to do is change the perception of the general public. Buddy's felines may not be CFA, but they look darn close. Perhaps better because they each has an individualized story to tell.

Our felines are more like the cartoon cat Felix, known for working his way out of perilous situations. Black cats may have an added bit of luck because they know how to survive.

Statistics show that black cats find themselves homeless in greater numbers. They are simply treated as throwaways.

In October they will have objects hurled at them. They will be hung by their tails from fences and trees. Some will even be covered by a tar-bath. Sticks and stones do break their bones.

Please come out and assist Buddy to help make our black ribbon event a success. Though our shelter is a beautiful place, do not let our black felines languish here. They need their own special people and a home to call their own.

Our black ribbon event will run Sunday, Sept. 21, through Tuesday, Sept. 30. You will recognize event participants by the ribbons on their cage cards. The adoption fee for adults has been reduced to $100. If the black feline is older than 7 years, the adoption fee will be reduced to $77.

Black or mostly black kittens are being given special consideration so they do not become adults at the shelter. Kittens will be "2-furs" - instead of $150 each, they will be $150 for a pair. Regular shelter hours apply.

Stop in and check out our selection of black felines from fuzzy, to energetic, to lazy lap-cat. To help you get started, I will even give you a short list of most common black feline names. Here we go: Boo Boo Kitty (from Laverne and Shirley), Blacky, Bo, Black Ace, Boots (for bicolor), Licorice, Albino, Moonshadow, Katniss, Piper, Rocko, Rocky, Shadow, Scoozie (means cuddle cat), Baby Bear and Sylvester (needs some white).

For big black males, can I suggest: Batcat, Bobcat, Bubba, Felix (always in trouble), Tank, Tonka and Titan. Now you have no excuse to not visit our black felines. Black is indeed the new black.

Adoptables

Peter is a male domestic shorthair who is about 5 years old. This velvety black-furred boy has come such a long way. He used to sit back and observe everyone from his little den inside a kitty condo. Now he will sit with you on the couch, and he loves to be brushed. He also goes crazy chasing the laser light toy. Peter came in off the street with Bert. They can be separated, but they also would be great in a home together.

Bunny is a female domestic shorthair who is about 3 years old. She is a beautiful, black cat with very soft, velvet-like, black fur (like a bunny's, hence the name). Once you hold this kitty, you'll want to snuggle with her for hours. Bunny is waiting for her forever home with loving owners.