I think I'm angry, maybe about a lot of things, maybe about the debates last night.
So it's probably better not to get too much into that one at this point.
For something completely different, let's talk about our hyper-pigmented cats.
What's a hyper-pigmented cat you ask?
Why that would be a cat, like my Obi, who is completely black, has a black nose, black paw pads, and black "eyeliner" around his eyes. His lips and some of his gums are black too, though his tongue and the inside of his mouth are pink.
Anyone involved for some years in cat rescue will find themselves at some point asking "What's up with the black cats?"
Here's what's up with the black cats:
*They have lower adoption rates than other cats
*Anecdotally they are singled out for acts of violence
*Traditionally they are considered bad luck
I know, can you believe it? Those of us who share our homes with black cats know how perfect and lovable they are, so we can't believe they have such a bad time of it.
But there's more than this up with the black cats.
Consider that in rural areas grey and brown tabby cats make up the majority of feral colonies, and that's easy to explain, their stripes hide them from predators. But in urban areas black cats and black and white cats start to dominate the colonies. When I've talked with long-time feeders about starting TNR for their colonies so often they've said "This started out with a tabby, a calico, and an orange cat, but now we've got so many black cats here."
From a logical viewpoint this shouldn't be an evolutionary advantage to urban cats. Being black helps them blend in with roads, which increases their chances of getting killed by cars. Being black decreases the hand outs they might get from sympathetic humans. Yet, after a few generations, black cats will be the most plentiful.
And finally we have an answer. New genetic research has demonstrated that the genes for hyper-pigmentation (I believe this is a case where one such gene produces a black and white cat and two produce an all black cat) also provide a genetic resistance against viruses. In urban areas where cat colonies might be crowded viruses are a larger threat than predators.
I love stuff like this.
Go home and hug a black cat!
14 comments:
I found a black cat outside four winters ago and immediately adopted her. I subsequently noticed many other black cats in surrounding streets and, for lack of a better theory, I figured they'd all come from the same litter(s) or that people who came to the aid of cats were less inclined to help the black ones. The reason you give explains everything. BTW, the black cat I adopted is one of the most sweet natured (to people, anyway) cats I've ever had. .... unfortunately, because of all the recent foreclosures in the area, my neighbor and I (we feed, set up warm places, etc. for strays and feral cats) are expecting to see a lot of new cats this winter.
david
Thanks for your comment David.
I agree, black cats often have the sweetest dispositions, so it's too bad more people don't give them a chance.
I was so excited to read this theory because like you I wonder about this kind of stuff and it's fun to know there's really a scientific reason for it.
Interesting post. I have a black and white rescued kitty and yeah most of the ferals in my area (New York City) are either black,black and white, or a dark solid gray. The one kitty I rescued is a tabby, and she was a newer stray.
When we adopted Emily (gray/blue) we adopted her boy Lars, as well. He and all of his siblings were black (and PS they all died shortly thereafter because she's an FIP carrier--and still alive and well). He was the sweetest cat ever, and she is definitely not-so-sweet. Every black kitty I've known, stray or not, has been angelic.
Greyhounds adoption groups, if you ask, will recommend that you adopt an older black male. Just like with people, they are least likely to be adopted.
Nice.
I should love to be able to have a black kitty. But alas, I am allergic to cats, and darker colored cats present more problems for allergy suffers than do those with a lighter color coat. I'd say that that could be one possible reason black cats are less likely to be adopted, but I'm pretty sure the average schmuck isn't actually aware of that...
I have a particular fondness for black cats. Two have lived with me in my adult life, one as a child: Eladio, Mulder, and Blackie. I don't have any pure black cats now, but man, I LOVE them.
I've had some really sweet black cats. A few years back, I had a beautiful long haired black cat named Lucy. She had unfortunately been declawed by some previous "owners." Here's another irony: some people claim they won't keep a cat unless he/she is declawed, yet a lot of declawed cats still end up in shelters, homeless, or given away. The last four years of her life, Lucy was diabetic. Despite her condition, she seemed to love life and appreciate people.
Two weeks before Lucy died, a black kitten appeared outside my apartment. She was skinny but otherwise healthy. I always knew that if I ever had another black cat, I'd name her Cleopatra. It was a bit stressful because I wanted to help Cleo but here she was a rambunctious kitten, running around Lucy, an older dying cat. Cleo was good company after Lucy died.
Whenever Cleo sits beside my Halloween table cloth, she looks like she belongs.
Cleo is now eight years old--hard to believe. She's a short haired cat and no longer skinny (that's putting it mildly). She's quite timid--I guess it's just her personality. I think it was fate that she showed up at my doorstep.
I feel like I'm slandering all the other cats I've had, but I think the stray black I found outside in the winter might just be my favorite of all time. Even my girlfriend, who says she's self-centered and moody (she's referring to the cat, not herself, though some might say .... never mind) can't help loving this great black former stray.
I'm not too late for comments on black cats I hope... being that we're on the cusp of another holiday and not "Halloween"...
I had a beautiful black cat that I found as a tiny pre-weaned kitten. Hank was incredibly smart and loyal beyond what any self-respecting cat would have ever admitted to being.
He met with a tragic end (due to my extreme poor judgement as his guardian)... This was many years ago - before I became aware of veganism or animal rights, but the guilt stays with me just the same...
Anyway, I love your blog - thanks for your posts!
I don't know if they still do this, but the Washington Animal Rescue League used to periodically have "black cats only" adoption fairs at a local art gallery. The idea was that visitors and potential adopters would not be distracted by the bright orange and multi-colored cats, and that in a room full of black cats, people would have a better chance to see each black cats' unique personality. I thought it was a wonderful idea.
Why do black cats get such a bad rap??? I think they're sweeter than ANY other cats :o)
Dear Neva,
I really appreciate your blog. I am a resident physician. So I spend most of my time working with people. But I adore animals,try to live simply, recycle lots, and be the change I wish to see in the world. I often feel down when I see how lots of people treat /view animals. But whenever I read your blog it reminds that there are other people out there who care for animals too. I am a vegetarian and find it difficult to go vegan with my current lifestyle. But it is what I am striving for. Thank you for your blog and being an inspiration for me.
Neva,
Thanks for your great blog. You are an inspiration for me. When I feel down about how people treat /view animals, I look up your blog and it reminds me that there are people out there trying to do good in this world, especially when it comes to animals. I am a resident physician, vegetarian hoping to be vegan, live simply, recycle lots, and live the change I wish to see in the world. Thank you.
I always wanted a black cat named Spooky. Then the week before Halloween in 1998, I found a black kitten on the side of a country road. I rescued him and he was my first black cat. And ironically, the first cat I ever got to name as all others were pre-named. But I digress. Spooky taught me that kittens can be a lot of trouble and made me realize that I'd be a horrible mother. Cuz you can't lock your children in the bathroom so you can list stuff on ebay. CPS gets all up your backside for such things. But Spooky didn't mind and he finally cooled down a bit as he got older. He left this world in 2004 and I miss my little ear licking boy (he would always lick MY ears). I never thought I'd be able to love another black cat. Then along came my Katrina Rescue, MONKEY...who is named by ME because he actually HUGS YOU LIKE A MONKEY. He's the love of my life. Black cats are the best. Thanks for your informative post. I do TNR in West Michigan. www.carolsferals.com : ) Carol
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