Tuesday, July 16, 2024

"Black Cats In History & Culture, " by Danielle Lentenyei ...

National Black Cat Appreciation Day is celebrated in the U.S. on August 17 every year, but in reality, black cats rarely get a lot of appreciation. Studies have found that black cats are less likely to be adopted and more likely to be euthanized than cats of other colors, reports Psychology Today. So what’s the reason for this “black cat bias”? Do people really judge a cat based solely on the color of its fur? Why don’t people like black cats? Here's what you need to know about the cultural history of bias against these midnight kitties. >>> Why don’t people like black cats?... The reasons people don’t like black cats are ridiculous and unwarranted, as are most biases. Sadly, in a study from 2020 that measured cats in a Kentucky shelter from 2010-2011, statistics largely found that black cats experienced the highest chance of euthanasia but also a slight increase in adoption the closer it was to Halloween. >>> Here are three main reasons black cats have a bad rap... >>> Black cats are the subject of many superstitions.... For generations and across cultures, the black cat has been a symbol of bad luck. You’ve most likely heard the phrase, “Don’t let a black cat cross your path,” or seen a movie where a witch transforms into a black cat. There are even superstitions where cats should not be left around babies in case they "steal their breath," per Snopes. Black cats have been associated with witchcraft and Satanism since the 13th century. In the 2013 book “Witchcraft Confessions and Accusations,” author Mary Douglas wrote that Pope Gregory IX in 1233 told his parishioners, “Satan would appear as a black cat, or as a frog or toad, or as a furry man…” In the Middle Ages, the Christian church killed suspected “witches.” If the person had a cat, it was considered the witch’s assistant or familiar and also killed. The independent nature of cats and their “healthy disrespect of authority” contributed to the stigma, Wiccan priestess Cerridwen Fallingstar told the History Channel. “They don’t fawn, like dogs, upon even the unworthy. During the Middle Ages, thousands of cats were killed allegedly for being superspreaders of the Bubonic plague in the Middle Ages. However, The History Channel notes the extermination of cats only fueled the spread of the plague by rodents. Black cats are hard to read. If cats in general seem indifferent, that lack of emotion is suspected even more in black cats. The dark fur on a black cat makes it more difficult to read their facial expressions, thus making people believe they are less friendly and more aggressive, Psychology Today reports. >>> Black cats are hard to photograph... Most of the reasons people don’t adopt black cats are pretty silly, but rejecting a black cat because it doesn’t photograph well is pure nonsense. Unfortunately, this is a reason for black cat bias in a world of Instagram, Facebook, and other social media outlets where people love to post pictures. There are plenty of reasons to adopt (don’t shop) a black cat. Black cats are no different than any other cat up for adoption at your local animal shelter. Cats can have different personalities, but the color of their fur hardly has anything to do with that. If you are willing to open your heart to a black cat and make it a part of your family, just make sure you adopt from your local pet rescue or animal shelter instead of shopping for one at a pet store. There are even pet rescues specifically for black cats if you'd like to bring home a little shadow of your own.

BUTTS UP!!!...

...LMAO!!!... :D :D :D

Sooo... Link is a cat lover...

...Doesn't surprise me!!!... :D

I KNOW He'll Protect Me...

A VERY Special Cat...

Sunday, July 14, 2024

"This is their place..."

From ~ "Feral Cat Project"... · My cats live here, they’re here to stay. You don’t like pets? Be on your way. They grace my home, my food, my space. This is their home, this is their place. You will find fur on every chair, They'll greet you with a curious stare. They might approach and sniff your shoe, A simple 'NO' will send them through. It baffles me when you proclaim, How can you live in such a way? They scratch, they purr, they climb the walls. WHO ASKED YOU? is what my mind calls. They love me more than words can say, Their purrs greet me at the end of the day. They need just a glance from me, And come to curl up on my knee. When I’m down, they sense my blues, When I’m joyous, they share my cues. Their whiskers twitch, their eyes gleam bright, They bring me comfort day and night. So once again, I tell you true, ‘Come visit me,’ but know this too… My cats live here, they’re here to stay. You don’t like pets? Be on your way. They grace my home, my food, my space, This is their home, this is their place.

From "The Aristocats," ~ when a retired opera singer leaves her fortune to her cats...

"Kitty Clips," ~ From "the Aristocats"...

Herding Cats... :D

Such beautiful stained glass...

Monday, July 8, 2024

He's NOT kidding!!!...

The Story Of A Unique Cat...

The story of a very special cat called "Otoronga". At 13 and a half years old, he was one of the icons of Kennedy Park. His charm had made him one of the most beloved and famous cats in the park. A few days ago, something magical happened in the life of Otoronga. He met an American couple who awakened a special spark in him. It was as if fate had joined their paths in an unexpected and profound way. Otoronga, who normally wouldn't allow himself to be caressed by anyone, opened up before them. He let himself be caressed and lay on his legs, as if he had found refuge in those loving arms. The emotion we feel today is indescribable. Otoronga went to the vet, not only to make sure of his well-being, but also to do all the necessary paperwork and paperwork. We want him to be able to travel with her new parents, such a loving and responsible couple that they have already adopted four other kittens. It fills us with gratitude to see how Otoronga has been saved from an uncertain fate, a fate that many other cats have faced in silence in Kennedy Park. In our souls, joy overflows. Otoronga will be traveling tonight with his new parents, and we know he will live a life filled with love and care. His new parents have gone to great lengths to ensure his happiness and well-being, and for that we are deeply grateful. Otoronga's story teaches us that love and connection transcend barriers. It is a reminder that even in the midst of adversity, there is hope and goodness in the world. Otoronga, our sweet and brave kitty, has found his home, his safe place where his heart and soul will shine with everlasting happiness. ~ From "Kennedy Park Kittens," July 5, 2023.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Mice are cute and they deserve to live too, but...

I've Got Plans!!!... ;)

PLEASE Watch Out For Plastic Bags In The Middle Of A Road!!!...

Je'Amour P. Matthew, says... · ❤️❤️PLEASE BE AWARE, DON'T DRIVE OVER BAGS IN THE ROAD!!!❤️❤️ This time of year, open all the plastic bags and insulated cardboard boxes. When you see on the road a bag with the impression that it contains something, don't ride on it but stop by to check the content. Open your ears and eyes on the edge of the ditches, waste, collective garbage, whether in town or in the countryside. Cardboard boxes too. (Shared from TNR Rescue Group)

A Rich Heart...

"If he hates cats..."

Featured Post...

The Cutest Senior Cat Village... :D