At Wayside, we currently have 28 black cats and kittens available for adoption. That may not seem like a big number, but they take up a majority of cats here. Black cats have the stigma of being unlucky, and they also tend to not stand out in the eyes of adopters when looking at a different colored cats. It really is nothing personal, it just always happens that way. We have decided to showcase our black feline friends because of how fantastic they are! The following are some reasons why black cats are so awesome!

1. Ancient Egyptians valued black cats so much, they worshipped one as a goddess. 

Bast was one of the most popular goddesses during ancient times, and she was thought of as a feline goddess. She personified the playfulness, grace, affection, and cunning of a cat as well as the fierce power of a lioness. Her name implied that she was sweet and precious, but that under the surface lay the heart of a predator. So adopting a black cat could mean inviting royalty in your home!

2. They always look clean.

Just like a black car, or black furniture, black cats do not really show dirt or grime that well, so they always look clean. The cat will not care if it is raining, or if it is muddy or dusty outside, they know they will still look good! Adopting a black cat means always having a spotless looking companion, and having the bragging rights to go along with it!

3. They go with everything.

Black is a color that goes with everything and never clashes. Are you wanting a selfie buddy that will not ruin your look? Black is a very slimming color, so they aim to show off your best! A black cat is the way to go. Are you changing the decorations in your house to a new style? No worries, your furry friend will continue to go with the new patterns. Bringing home a black cat means never having to worry about color clashing.

4. They have famous cats in their community.

As pictured above, Salem in Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, is a very popular black cat in pop culture. Also famous is Sylvester from Looney ToonsFelix The Cat, Binx from Hocus Pocus, The Cat from The Cat In The Hat, and Lucifer from Cinderella. Black cats are kind of a big deal. Adopting one will probably lead to movie deals and recording contracts. Probably.

5. If they shed, as long as you wear black, it blends in. 

If you have that little black dress on, or black pants, the hair will not show up as much. That is always a positive versus having to use a lint roller all the time minutes before leaving the house. Black cats want love too, they just know you want your clothes hair free as well. Wearing black never seemed so nice right?

6. They have their own day, or days!

Because black cats are so amazing, countries gave them their own day of celebration! In the United Kingdom, October 27th is ‘Black Cat Day’ which encourages people to adopt those furry friends in hopes of sharing their uniqueness. Here in the United States, we have a ‘Black Cat Appreciation Day’ that encourages people to adopt and share photos of their beautiful black cats!

7. They look like Toothless from How to Train your Dragon.

It is like having your own personal dragon! Black cats blend in with the exception of their mesmerizing yellow or green eyes. Because of that interesting look, they have been compared to that popular character Toothless. If you adopt a black cat, you can brag to everyone that you actually own a dragon.

8. They are your own personal paranormal investigator. 

Granted, if you do not believe in ghosts, this one will not pertain to you. However, if you love watching shows like Ghost Adventures and going on ghost hunts, black cats are for you. They come with superstitions, as they were known to be the cats in the Salem Witch Trials. If you hear things that go bump in the night, black cats are for you!

9. You have the best mouser around town.

Black cats are nearly invisible at night, making them the perfect hunter for their prey. If you have a mouse or bug problem, they will be solved with the addition of a black cat. Cats have that predator tendency to hunt, and enjoy a challenge. If they present it to you, it is a sign of respect and they mean to give it to you as a gift, so be courteous!

10. They are like mini Panthers.

Have you ever wanted a jungle cat but being afraid and laws prevented you from owning one? Black cats look like mini panthers, and that is kind of adorable. They have that sleek black coat with those piercing eyes, and they strut like they own the place. Besides bragging about having a cat in general, you can brag about owning a panther!

I think black cats are fantastic, and I think this list proves they are even more. As I said earlier, our shelter is full of these black beauties, and we hate to see them get overlooked as they do. Consider meeting one of our furry friends during our adoption hours! Here are some of our featured black cats and kittens!

This is Lucky, a two year old male black and white tuxedo cat. Learn more about him here.

This is Merida, a four year old female black cat, with similar looks like Toothless! Learn more about her here.

This is Jon, a one year old male black and white tuxedo cat. Learn more about him here.

This is Oat, a four month old female kitten. Learn more about her here.

These are the Ninjas. They are a litter of five black kittens, three girls and two boys. This is their dojo, and they train in here. Always have a buddy when entering their room, as the Ninjas are escape artists. Their names are Aspen, Cherokee, Ruffles, Zazzle, and Fuzzball. Come and meet them today! Or watch them on our Kitty Cam here.

Adoption Hours:

Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: Noon-8pm
Thursday: Noon-8pm
Friday: Noon-8pm
Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 1pm-6pm

Written by Teryn