Italian
Every cat, like every dog and other animals of different species, is a unique and unrepeatable being, with its character more or less dependent on its human friend. The month of October is dedicated to black cats
Unfortunately, there are several prejudices about cats that are hard to overcome, and many people do not like them. Phrases like this are often heard: “Oh no, I don’t like cats because they are opportunistic, they only come to you for food, they scratch, they make a mess, they don’t bond with anyone…” but when asked: “how many cats have you had?” the answer is always: “oh no, I never wanted cats!”
Home & kennel
According to the latest Censis data, Italy is the European country with the highest number of pets. 53% of families have a pet. There are a total of 32 million pets, including 12.9 million birds, 7.5 million cats, 7 million dogs, 1.8 million small mammals (hamsters and rabbits), 1.6 million fish, and 1.3 million reptiles.
Thus, cats rank very well in this classification, even if, according to animal welfare associations, during the lockdown the number of pets in homes has increased, especially regarding dogs and cats.
Unfortunately, the civilization of sterilizing stray cats is not yet embraced by many, and so it is necessary to intervene when the female cats are already pregnant or nursing. The appeal, this month as well as on the days dedicated to them, is to adopt and sterilize, because the love that a cat can give will last forever.
Black is the new color of luck
The superstition about black cats bringing bad luck when we encounter them, even worse when they cross our path, dates back to the Middle Ages. A hard-to-die prejudice against the entire month of October, dedicated to this elegant feline, has its origins in the Middle Ages.
Apparently, at night, horses were frightened by the yellow eyes of the cats encountered on the way. Therefore, it seems that the legend associating the black cat with the devil was born.
On the contrary, English sailors wanted them on board because they chased away bad luck, and even today for the English, Scots, and Japanese finding a black cat on their path is a good omen.
In this diversity of “views” fits the Black Cat Awareness Month, October, the month of awareness for black cats, which has the primary goal of breaking down prejudices and increasing confidence with all cats regardless of breed, color, and gender.
The month of October is dedicated to encouraging families to adopt black cats, which are the least requested and fill the colonies of stray cats. This way, we can discover the benefits that these little felines have on humans.
Cats, in fact, including those with black fur, are more likely to chase away bad luck than bring it because they can increase the mood and reduce anxiety in those who host them, especially if they are given 15 to 40 minutes a day of cuddles, play, and pets. The effectiveness of ‘feline therapy‘ has been observed in a new study published in Plos One, a scientific journal of the Public Library of Science.
