2010 August | You Got Cats | Cat Health, Facts, Adoption, Supplies & Kitten Care

Black Cats & Halloween

Black Cats and Halloween

Three Black Cats

I know it’s still summer, but Halloween is coming up faster than you think, which got me to thinking about the association between black cats and Halloween.

Many countries have superstitions about cats, especially black cats. They can mean good luck or bad luck, depending on the country. Or it can mean good luck if a black cat passes in front of you going one way, and bad luck if it passes in front of you going the other way. Or it can mean good luck if it comes towards you and passes you and bad luck if it comes towards you, stops, turns around and goes back.

Unfortunately, superstitions have been left over from the Middle Ages when witch hunters used the ownership of a black cat as proof of witchcraft (keeping a familiar evil spirit by you in animal shape and black for the evil of the devil). Even now, black cats are less adopted from American animal shelters than other colors!

Through this long history, the black cat symbol is often used around Halloween, along with witch costumes, vampires, etc. Even cat costumes can be very popular.

Kitten Care – Getting a New Kitten

New Kittens

Getting a New Kitten

Getting a new kitten is very exciting. There are a few things to do first. Here’s one:

Do your research!

Before I got my new kitten, I got some cat books and read up on cat care and the things I should know. Ask yourself, do you want a kitten for yourself, for your family, or for breeding purposes? Do you want a purebred cat or do you want to rescue one of the millions of adorable kittens who need you?

I Just Got a Kitten. What Do I Do?: How to Buy, Train, Understand, and Enjoy Your Kitten

If you are buying a kitten for your family, it might be a good idea to get some kitten books for your children to read first. A lot of children want a kitten, but do they know how to take care of it? Before you get one, let your child read up about kittens. A new kitten is an adorable thrill, but your children will feel more grown up if they have gained knowledge about how to care for it. They will be able to help you care for the kitten. Taking on not just the fun and play, but the responsibility of caring for another creature is a great way for children to learn responsibility, care, and compassion.

Small children: Kittens! Kittens! Kittens!

Older children: A Cat for You: Caring for Your Cat (Pet Care)

Blue-eyed Siamese Cat

If you are looking for a purebred cat, research the kitten breed you are interested in. What kind of temperament do they have? Persians are affectionate and like to be held. Siamese are very conversational and full of energy. What kind of cat are you interested in? What kind of health problems does the breed you are interested in have? Each breed can have its own set of possible health problems. Then research breeders — you want to get your cat from a reputable breeder, who will let you inspect the cattery first. Is it clean? Are the cats healthy — especially the mother cat of the kitten you want to get? Here is a link to the Cat Fanciers’ Association Breeder referral service: http://www.cfainc.org/cbrs.html.

How to Adopt a New Cat