By Tanya M. Ursual

From The Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) L.A.W.S., P.O. Box 156, Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 4T1:

History has not been kind to the cat and no other cat has had a harder time than the black cat. Originally seen as a source of bad luck in some cultures, the black cat is an animal that has probably seen the most persecution throughout its evolution. To this day, movies and advertising depict the hissing black cat with its back arched as a symbol of fear.

Early Egyptians around 4000 BC provide the first written record of cats as a domesticated animal. Black cats, in particular, were revered for their ability to control the mouse and rat population. During the Middle Ages, cats, particularly black ones, were associated with witchcraft and fell into huge disfavour. Ironically, it is believed that the Bubonic plaque spread so quickly because of the increased rodent population caused by the elimination of so many cats. Over time, cats grew back into favour and have come to be an important part of the family. In Britain and Portugal, for instance, the black cat is seen as a sign of good luck.

Unfortunately, the superstition that black cats are bad luck still survives to this day. All too often we are faced with potential cat adopters whose only criteria is that it "not be a black cat." Those of us who work with cats every day know something about black cats that we would like to share with our readers. The black cat is often the gentlest and most affectionate cat in the shelter. Over time, we have observed some characteristics specific to many (although not all) black cats. A common trait of the black cat is its obsession with water. They are the cats that patiently wait while their owner is in the shower only to jump in after to lick the water. Some even enjoy splashing around in the tub and the water bowl can provide hours of entertainment for the black cat. They enjoy following you around and are never far out of sight. They can be found sitting on your lap or cuddling beside you but aren’t always comfortable being picked up. They can sometimes appear shy at first but are very loyal to their owners and enjoy their companionship. Curiously, I have a black cat who enjoys car rides and frequently accompanies me on errands. As soon as he sees the car keys come out he waits by the door, jumps onto the passenger seat and makes himself comfortable. I have received many strange stares from those shocked to see a little black cat so clearly enjoying his time riding co-pilot.