Shelter Discrimination

A blog I wrote about adopting black cats (and dogs) has gotten some attention from shelters. I’ve had several people contact me, looking for permission to adapt the list for their black shelter residents. You might be surprised to learn that black dogs and cats tend to linger the longest in shelters — longer than older animals, abused animals, or even injured animals. The problem is common enough (especially in large black dogs) that it has a name: black dog syndrome. What makes animals with black coats harder to adopt out? Perhaps the dark color of their coat makes them … Continue reading

Conjuring Up Cats (Especially Black Ones): An Interview with Author Bev Walton Porter

Turns out my next interview subject, Bev Walton Porter and I have a mutual friend in common: Families.com member Jade Walker. I don’t know how Ms. Porter knows Jade, but I met her here at Families.com. That was a fun thing to discover! But it wasn’t the only fun thing I discovered after interviewing Ms. Porter. For instance, if she’s ever heard the superstition about black cats, she doesn’t heed it. This is one cat lover who looks forward to a black cat crossing her path. Courtney Mroch: What kind of things do you write about? (Genre, subject matter, themes, … Continue reading

Great Reasons to Adopt a Black Cat (Or Dog)

Did you know that of all the homeless cats out there in the world, black cats are the least likely to get adopted? If you are thinking of adding a kitty to the family, here are some reasons to pick out a black cat! Black cats arrive ready for Halloween season — you don’t need to buy them a costume! You can always find your black cat in the snow. Or in the green grass of the yard. Or on your floral bedspread. A black cat is a great accessory to any outfit. Black is very slimming — holding your … Continue reading