A new kitten

I had been thinking about adopting a kitten. Already having two cats I knew it might not be an easy task to find another cat to fit in with two established cats. I saw some kittens for adoption through Hopalong at a pet store one night. I asked to visit with the kittens not thinking I'd find one to take home. To my surprise the very first kitten I met was a friendly little guy. He had a perfect balance of friendly and playfulness and he was brave which I knew he would need coming into a home with two adult cats. After visiting with all the kittens I went back to the very first one and I knew he'd be perfect.

I filled out the paperwork and got a call the next day saying he was mine to adopt! I went after work and picked him up. I brought him home and he quickly settled in with the new cats. His foster name was Bee (which I still call him sometimes) but I changed his name to Bowie. It's been almost two weeks and Bowie is getting along great with by other two cats. He was indeed the perfect choice for my other two kitties.

I was surprised to hear that black cats aren't adopted as much as others. Bowie is a very friendly kitten, he's very playful but loves lots of lap and cuddle time with me and the other cats. He settled right in with me the other cats and I can't imagine not having taken him home and hope that other people can find that black cats can be just as wonderful as any other cat.

Thanks, Lauren

Black Cats and Kittens Need Homes Too

Studies show that black cats are about half as likely to be adopted as other cats. On average, they stay several months longer in shelters than any other cats. Black cats are frequently left waiting in shelters hoping to find a home only to be euthanized when their time is up.

Black cats are routinely overlooked by potential adopters for a variety of reasons – superstition, they don’t photograph well, they aren’t distinctive, and there are so many of them in the shelters that they just don’t stand out like the colorful calico or orange tabby.

Black cats have a common characteristic of being easy-going and good-natured. They have so much love to offer and ask for so little in return. Black cats do not all look alike and if you look closely you will see that they are truly gorgeous and regal creatures. The glossy satin sheen of a black cat is unlike any other. When their fur catches the light, it shimmers. There are many different kinds of black cats and all are beautiful – auburn shaded black, blue black, black with tiny white highlights, sleek black, fluffy black and colorful eyes – green, yellow, copper and gray. Some black cats even have tabby markings.

Nevertheless, many black cats never get the opportunity to show people how perfectly they would fit into the family’s household. Shelters and rescue groups encourage potential adopters to give a black cat a chance – their playful, easygoing attitude will charm you into making them a permanent part of your family.