Oct. 31/2018

Feature:
6 Hair-Raising Facts About Black Cats

“…Check out these hair-raising facts to see why black cats are such curious creatures.

They’re Actually More Likely to Be Adopted
You may have heard that black cats are less likely to be adopted than their fair-coated peers. However, as it turns out, this isn’t the case.

In fact, according to data compiled by the ASPCA, black cats are actually adopted more often from cat shelters than other cats. Because black is a common coat color, more black cats enter the animal shelter system, resulting in disproportionately high numbers of adoptions from animal shelters…

Black Cats May Be More Resistant to Disease
…Cancer researchers have found that the genetic mutation that results in black fur is related to genes that cause resistance to diseases such as HIV in humans. Combined with top-notch nighttime camouflage, scientists speculate that this may give black cats a genetic upper hand, & it may explain why the coat color is so common.

They Patrol the High Seas
Since ancient times, cats have earned their keep (& fish) by patrolling ships for rats. Black cats, in particular, were considered not only practical mousers but also lucky talismans…

They Have Official Holidays 

…In the United States, August 17 is Black Cat Appreciation Day… England recognizes October 27 as National Black Cat Day… 

There’s a ‘Parlor Panther’ Black Cat

The Bombay might be the ultimate black cat. A hybrid of the Burmese & American Shorthair, this breed has been nicknamed the ‘parlor panther’ thanks to its exotic good looks. Although the Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes a number of breeds that can have black coats, Bombays are the only one that must be shown in solid black.

 

…According to Jeri Zottoli, the Cat Fancier’s Bombay breed secretary & judge, this petite panther is the perfect pet. ‘Like potato chips, you can't have just one,’ she says. ‘They love their humans—they’re very friendly, social cats who would go home with anyone. We always allow spectators to pet our cats so they can see their endearing personalities.’

 

…And a ‘Werewolf’ Black Cat 

…Sometimes called the ‘Werewolf Cat,’ the Lykoi is a newly recognized, semi-hairless breed that owes its distinctive black coat to a genetic mutation first discovered in feral colonies. The most common Lykoi coat is ‘black roan,’ a black base punctuated with white hairs that creates a wild, wolf-like look. 

 

…Desiree Bobby, the Cat Fanciers’ Association’s marketing & communications coordinator, is also a Sphinx breeder…’Sphynx owners tend to be a little bit wackier than most, so it makes sense we would be drawn to them,’ says Bobby. “It’s their genetic uniqueness that intrigues me—the fact that they are so rare & close relatives only to feral cats. I have more than a few that seem to have been born with canine instincts.’”

Monica Weymouth

Petmd.com

Oct. 30/2018

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