Tomorrow, March 24, 2023, the Burlington Humane Society is hosting a special adoption event specifically to find the shelter’s black-furred feline residents their new homes, featuring reduced adoption prices for black cats and kittens from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Black cats can sometimes be overlooked in animal shelters; indeed, studies have show that cats with solid black fur face a longer time in shelters, and are euthanized slightly more often than cats with other-coloured coats. While the higher rates of euthanasia are obviously a problem, the longer wait time in shelters, while only a six day difference on average, can mean more stress, higher risk of catching illnesses or having stress-related illness flare-ups.
A number of reasons have been identified for this anti-black cat bias: it is harder to get a nice photograph of black cats, so their adoption listings don’t get as much attention; people may have a harder time understanding the facial expressions of black cats, leading to the idea that black cats are less friendly or playful; and finally, that long-held negative association of black cats with witchcraft and bad luck.
The Burlington Humane Society’s photos of the adorable Bagheera (main image) should help put that first reason to rest. As for less friendly or playful? Well, Bagheera has already been documented as being a bit of a prickly character, but really, all cats have that potential (but let’s be honest, humans also have that potential, so who are we to discriminate?). And part of our fascination and love for cats surely comes from their interesting quirks and characteristics (see photo evidence below of the very friendly and playful Jet, not part of the adoption event).
So if you’re looking for a new furry family member, head on over to the Burlington Humane Society tomorrow, Friday, March 24, 2023 for their Black Cat Adoption Event. From 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., you will be able to adopt any of their available black cats or kittens with a $50 reduction in adoption fees. Visit their website, www.burlingtonhumane.ca, for more information on the cats and kittens that are available.
Sources:
Wu, K. 2020. 3 reasons people don’t adopt black cats. Url: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-modern-heart/202010/3-reasons-people-dont-adopt-black-cats (accessed March 23, 2023).
