Dana (ID# A341918) is just one of many lovely black cats at
Montgomery County Humane Society.
Photo courtesy of MCHS.
What is it about black cats that causes adopters to overlook them? Surely it can’t be their bright, inquisitive eyes or luxurious shimmering coats. Can’t be their playfulness, friendliness, curiosity, or their ability to turn on the “purr machine.” So why do shelters report having a hard time finding homes for black cats?
It comes down to a combination of factors, says Kathy Dillon, operations manager and medical programs coordinator for the Montgomery County Humane Society (MCHS), though she adds, “I don’t understand it since I think they are generally quite beautiful.” First, there’s superstition; some people just think black cats are bad luck. MCHS counters such superstition with a fun fact sheet about black cats. Then there’s the simple matter of visibility; black cats can blend into the shadows in the shelter’s stainless steel cages. To help the ebony felines stand out a bit more, shelter staff pad their cages with lighter-colored towels. And then there’s the fact that there are just so many black cats; perhaps this makes them seem common or ordinary.
This month, MCHS is putting black cats in the spotlight with their Black Cat Adoption Special. Adoption fees are waived for any all-black cat over 6 months old (licensing and microchipping fees still apply). This means that adopters who might otherwise overlook these cats can take a second look and perhaps get to know a friendly feline who just happens to be stylishly attired in an always-fashionable black coat.
Meet some of the shelter’s black cats in the slide show below. To meet the cats in person, visit the shelter at 14645 Rothgeb Drive in Rockville. They are open weekdays (except Wednesdays) from noon to 7:00 p.m. and weekends from noon to 5 p.m. Call 240-773-5960 for more information. If you’re calling for information about a specific cat, be sure to have the cat’s name and ID number handy.
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