Friday, August 17, 2012

Black Cat Appreciation Day

I couldn't let Black Cat Appreciation Day go by without a shout out to my own house panther - KC! He was the first of many (and I do mean MANY) cats to show up at my house since I moved in four years ago.

It was the end of October – just when it started to get cold. KC was about six months old and looking for a place to get in from the rain. We brought him inside, and he quickly set to making himself at home.

Being naming-impaired (after all I had a rabbit named Bunny), I simply called him "Kitty" for the first few days. We eventually switched to KC, which is still short for Kitty Cat, but slightly less obvious.

KC was a rangy adolescent when he first showed up, but he's grown into a handsome muscular man-cat. He is the boss of the house and lets Zelda, Boyzie and Sugar know it. But I've also caught him bathing and playing with them when he thinks I'm not looking.

I've always heard that black cats have unique personalities and that is certainly true with KC. He's the most vocal, most affectionate, and most playful of all my cats. But he's can also be the most stubborn and most difficult. I've learned over time to give him the extra attention he desires because when KC's happy, everyone is happy - but when he's not, watch out!

I hope this description of KC doesn't put anyone off from considering adopting a black cat - he is truly a joy to have around. Black cats in general have a harder time finding forever homes, and that's why Wayne H. Morris decided to dedicate August 17 as Black Cat Appreciation Day!

Black cats have been maligned throughout much of history, associated with evil and spells and all manner of superstitions. They've suffered abuse and misunderstanding because of ridiculous, nonsensical fears and beliefs.

So if you are lucky enough to be owned by a black cat, share your story - or visit Petfinder.com and post some pictures of adoptable black cats in your area! You can post your pictures and stories on the Black Cat Appreciation Day page on Facebook.




10 comments:

  1. ha ha - love the story of his name. Someone else named Mario because D & I couldn't come up with a name. KC is a handsome kitty

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  2. Love the story behind his name. And I can't believe I never realized the "Bunny" part! LOL KC and our Rascal could be twins. Okay, Rascal's got longish fur, but still - personalities....well, Rascal got his name for a reason ;)
    Black cats rock. Period. Hugs to KC! (If he'll let ya)

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    1. BJC's real name was Chocolate Chip (given to her by her previous owners) but I just called her Bunny. Jean is my daughter's middle name - thus Bunny Jean Cook!

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  3. My baby girl Chihuahua, BUG, has a her own black cat named Spider. You can read his story here

    http://bugthechihuahua.blogspot.com/2012/07/cats.html

    at Bug's blog. THey were even spayed and neutered together about three weeks ago so they could comfort each other before and after in a strange place. I am NOT a cat person, but I love this silly cat to pieces. Even when he swats at me in the kitchen to feed him FIVE MINUTES after he has already eaten! He is going to be a big boy,, too.
    KC is a GORGEOUS cat!! Black cats are the best, I agree, as far as cats go.

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  4. Reggie is loud too! Belle and Becket aren't.

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  5. My Kublai was the boss, but he was also the oldest, and no one minded because he was the smartest too, and they all benefitted from his ingenuity.

    I always thought "Bunny Jean" was a take on "Bonny Jean", from "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie"!

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    1. That's interesting Bernadette - most people think it's a take off from Billie Jean King!

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  6. So, happy KC, happy everybody? That sounds like Twiggy! Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day!

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  7. We hope you had a happy Black Cat Appreciation Day, KC. We like your name. Our names have interesting stories, too. Ateret means crown in Hebrew. Abbi is because her name was Tabitha, and the current them is As and Ls in memory of my maternal grandparents. Livia's name was Mathilda, and I disliked that name. We hope you had a wonderful Black Cat Appreciation Day.

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  8. My old cat smokey was black and he was a big character too before he crossed the rainbow bridge

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