While data varies, grey/silver and orange tabbies often see faster adoptions, while black cats, despite being the most common and often the sweetest, unfortunately face longer waits due to myths and being overlooked, though some studies show black cats are adopted at high rates simply due to their abundance in shelters.
Black cats, who sport the most common feline coat color and often make up the highest percentage of adoptable cats in animal shelters and rescues. Calico cats, a type of housecat known for their tricolor coats (which, because of genetics and chromosomes, makes them predominantly female)
Black Cats and Dogs Have Lower Adoption Rates
Research verifies that black dogs and cats have a lower chance of being adopted. It's a tragic fact that they tend to stay in shelters longer and are more likely to be euthanized due to shelter overcrowding than animals of other colors.
Black cats are some of the most difficult to adopt, despite their personalities or gender , even those with the best temperament are passed by . They are truly amazing companions and most adopters who have had black cats 🐈⬛ say they would never adopt a different color because they are truly extra special .
New Cat? Set Realistic Expectations! You can expect that it will take your cat some time to get used to the new routines and environment. The 'Rule of Three' means that you can gauge the time it might take for your cat to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
Cats are naturally solitary animals and are often happy without the company of their own species. They are territorial animals who don't like conflict with other cats. Introducing a new cat to an existing cat in the household takes time and patience – but don't worry, we have advice for this!
Cats may initially feel stressed or anxious when rehomed. Most cats learn to form new bonds and adjust over time. Providing a stable and comforting environment helps ease their transition.
The “F” in a Savannah cat's name stands for filial, meaning how many generations the cat is removed from the African serval. An F1 is the first-generation offspring of a serval, an F2 is the second generation, and so on.
Taylor Swift's cats, Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, are Scottish Folds, known for their folded ears, while her third cat, Benjamin Button, is a Ragdoll, a large, fluffy breed. The Scottish Fold's ear fold comes from a genetic mutation causing cartilage issues, leading to health concerns like arthritis, prompting animal welfare experts to urge caution with the breed despite their popularity.
You Can Help Ease Your Kitten's Transition Home. Yes, kittens can miss their moms and siblings. But with lots of love and care, you can ease their transition into your home.
Black Cats: Most Common, Least Desired. Black cats seem to be the most common coat color and sadly also the least desirable at adoption time. In fact, black cats are half as likely to find a home than a cat of another color.
The Ragdoll is consistently cited as one of the calmest cat breeds due to its docile, "floppy" nature, followed closely by the Persian, British Shorthair, and Maine Coon, known for their gentle and laid-back personalities, making them excellent lap cats and family pets. Other calm breeds include the Birman, Exotic Shorthair, and Scottish Fold.
Looking for clues about the kitten's health
The kitten should look healthy, with bright eyes, a good coat and be able to move easily. Ask to see the other kittens in the litter and the mother to make sure they're healthy too. Follow your instincts.
Cats are incredibly sensitive to their environment. Major changes such as switching owners and households can be dramatic and very stressful. Cats are aware of even the smallest changes in your household.
Signs your cat's quality of life might be declining or changing can include: eating less or not eating. signs of illness (such as vomiting, coughing or diarrhoea) difficulty breathing.
How far away can cats smell? It's hard to give a precise answer to this question. One study found that domestic cats could find their way back home from a distance of 1.5 to 4 miles, so it's safe to assume they can at least pick up scents from that distance.
To apologize to a cat, use a soft, calm tone of voice, offer treats or toys, engage in gentle play, and use slow blinks to build trust, focusing on actions and reassurance rather than words, as cats understand tone and trust more than human language. Give them space first, then approach calmly and let them initiate physical contact on their terms to rebuild your bond.
Friendliest Cat Breeds
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
The number one killer of cats depends on age and lifestyle, but cancer is the leading cause of death in older cats, while Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), accidents/trauma (especially for younger cats), and diseases like kidney/heart issues are major factors, with FeLV often cited as the top infectious killer. Causes range from diseases like FeLV, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and FIP, to organ system failures (kidney, heart), and external factors like poisons or trauma.
A cat's "worst enemy" depends on context, but common foes include dogs (due to predatory instincts), loud noises (vacuum cleaners, thunderstorms), other cats, and cars for outdoor cats; in the wild, it's larger predators like coyotes, birds of prey, and even other felines, while cancer is a leading cause of death for indoor cats.
Keep Them Separated.
Ideally, place your new cat in a separate, closed-off bedroom for at least the first few days. Provide your new cat with a litter box, food, water, bedding and toys. It is best to immediately place the newcomer in the separate space and then direct your attention back to your senior.
Signs your cat might like a friend include: