The Truth About Black Cats

It's October in New Orleans and that means transitioning to fall weather and routines, the impending end of longer daylight hours, and the kick off to the holiday season with the arrival of Halloween. Pumpkins are making their way onto porches and front steps around town while skeletons and the like are popping up on lawns of particularly enthusiastic households.

This time last year we talked about Feline Fitness and posted information on Fall Pet Health and Safety shortly after in November. While autumn specific topics and holiday safety are still very important issues which we can't say enough about, we thought we'd focus this month's blog post on an age old October icon - the black cat. Celebrated in some cultures, maligned in others, human history with black cats goes way back - at the very least, all the way back to ancient Egypt.

Christy's cat Gonzo regally reclining.

For centuries black cats have been at the center of an array of superstitions and blamed for any number of maladies from deadly plagues and night dangers to flat out human "bad luck." Somewhere in the Middle Ages (mid fourteenth century) in Europe black cats began to be associated with fairies and witchcraft. As a result, a plethora of misinformation as well as widespread fears has led to a host of inhumane horrors, including the persecution of caretakers of these poor humble felines.

The irony in this is that in many European countries, black cats are actually symbols of good luck. In Scotland, for example, (home of the soul stealing Cat Sith legend) black cats are a sign of prosperity. In parts of England, black cats are considered a bridal good luck gift. Also, English sailors once found black cats to be so lucky that acquiring one became cost prohibitive and their offspring were sometimes victims of kittnapping.

Our client, Merlin perched atop his tower.

Black cats get their coloring from a pigment called eumelanin. However, the dominant fur pattern in cats is tabby; that means in order for a cat to be born "truly black," both its parents have to have the dominant color gene. Interestingly enough, more black cats tend to be born male than female.

The earliest "domesticated" cats, descended from the African Wildcat would likely have had tabby markings like their ancestors. That would have made the first occurrences black cats pretty special.

In ancient Egypt (around 3100 BC) black cats were revered and kept as pets as an homage to the goddess Bastet. These beauties (and all other cats) were held in such high regard that it was even illegal (a capital offense, no less) to intentionally kill a cat. Of course their excellent abilities in pest control were of huge benefit as well to keep such undesirable critters such as rodents and snakes out of food stores and from threatening human life as well.

Our client, Nubba.

Asia has its fair share of ideas about cats and luck as well. For instance, it's believed in Japan that single ladies who keep a black cat companion will attract more than their fair share of suitable mates. In Chinese Feng Shui, placing your black cat's bed in the north portion of your home can ward off evil.

Ever wonder about those waving cat figurines in Japanese restaurants? Maneki Neko lucky "fortune cats" come in a number of colors (each with a different meaning) with the black ones being used to ward off all manner of evil, including stalkers. Have a friend who's allergic? Send some luck their way with a black cat figurine.

Our client, Stumpy, apparently aghast.

The most common/easily recognized black cat breed is probably the Bombay. Of the twenty-two breeds of cats than can possibly have a coat of black fur, this yellow-eyed hybrid beauty, nicknamed the "parlor panther" is the only breed of which there are only black cats. It may surprise many to learn that black cats are believed to have a better immune system than their otherwise colored counterparts. In fact, their genes may some day help solve some of the medical problems associated with human health.

Since it's October and the month of Halloween, we'd be remiss in not mentioning that according to thespruce.com, black cats are still the number one costume choice for elementary aged school girls as well as college freshmen. If you have little ones at home (the two-legged human variety), cater to trick-or-treaters, or plan on entertaining grown up style, be sure to keep alcohol and sweets - especially chocolate, out of reach of your fur babies.

Being that we're also a few weeks into autumn, we'd also be remiss in not mentioning that fleas reach their height at this time of the year. As the weather changes so do concerns for fall allergies, acorns, and other potential hazards. For information on fall pet care be sure to see our Pinterest board, Autumn Pet Care.



Useful links:

5 Pawsitively Fascinating Facts About Black Cats

8 Hair-Raising Facts About Black Cats

Black Cat Breeds and History

The Mystique Behind Black Cats

7  Ways Black Cats Bring Luck Around the World

Fall Pet Health and Safety

This month we are focusing on fall pet health and safety topics at Petit Pet Care. Despite the official change of season and the equinox occurring on September 21, Autumn in New Orleans doesn't really seem like so with average temperatures still in the 80s, occurring as late as October. That means some of the same pet care concerns of spring and summer will carry over into the fall, and maybe even into early winter.

Our client, Claire, posing with a fall pumpkin.

With the return of football season, as well as impending holiday festivities, it's important to remember that our four-legged family members need to be protected from all the potential hazards of parties and pastimes. That means keeping all people food and beverages, decorations, as well as trash, out of your fur babies' reach. Even things that are not toxic to pets can still cause intestinal distress and lead to very expensive vet bills.

Fall is a relatively mild season, and with the lower humidity and cooler temperatures, it's great for getting outdoors. However, even though it's more pleasant to be outside, it doesn't mean that all the hot-weather hazards are no longer a concern. In fact, in 78 degree weather, a vehicle parked in the shade can still get up to 90 degrees, so don't leave your fur baby in the car while you shop. Sidewalks and asphalt roads are still an issue as well, since asphalt temperature is still in the triple digits when the air temp is just in the upper 70s.

Our client, Chester, pausing in the shade.

Proper hydration is just as important in the fall for pets (and for you too) as it is for warmer months, so be sure to carry bottled water on your outings and make sure outdoor dwelling animals have access to an ample supply. You don't want your BFF to have to resort to puddles or other standing water that may contain toxins.

Our client, Leon, taking a drink.

Autumn is a time of year when it's super important to be tick smart, and because New Orleans stays pretty warm into the winter it's still possible to see ticks - and fleas - very late in the year. Always check your pets for ticks when they have been outside for prolonged periods especially if they have been rolling around or playing in leaves. One great pet hack is to use a lint roller on your pet after walks and outings.

If you're a bit squeamish or not really sure of the best way to examine your dog for ticks, here's a great video resource: How to check your dog for ticks. Also, Pet Health Network's vector-borne map can help you learn what tick diseases are prevalent in your area. For more information on ticks and and fleas and how to keep them off your family, as well as information on disease prevention and treatment, check out our Pinterest board Pet Health and Safety.

Our client, Merlin, chilling on the mantle.

Many people set out bowls of fruit, nuts and candies during the holidays. These things may be forgotten in the bustle of fall festivities, but even a small plastic candy wrapper can cause a problem if ingested. Keep pups away from parties and front door trick or treaters by putting up baby gates, and give cats their own space to hang out in behind a closed door.

An important note about candy: According to Pet Health Network, The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is, so avoid that trip to the vet by keeping it out of reach. Also, sugar free candy can contain xylitol, which may be even more dangerous than chocolate.

Regular and proper grooming is an important part of pet health. Cooler weather means thickening of coats and more potential for matting. The type of bush your pet requires will depend on hair length (much like humans). Regal Pet Resort recommends using a rubber brush for loosening dead skin and dirt, followed by a bristle brush.

Seasonal allergies are another potential issue in the fall. When there isn't a lot of rain, there is a lot more pollen in the air (and on cars and...). We touched on allergies in our previous post, Spring Has Sprung, and we have several resources on animals and seasonal allergies as well bookmarked on our seasonal pet care Pinterest boards.

In the fall you should also be mindful with any pest prevention measures. It goes without saying that rodenticides and mothballs should be kept away from pets, but be sure these things are stored properly as well to make sure curious kitties and canines can't get into them.

Fall also means the end of daylight savings time. If you and your BFF are outside after dark, be sure to wear light colored clothing and use reflectors for yourself and your pet.


Useful links:

Autumn Safety Tips

Tick Dangers and Precautions

6 Easy Ways to Keep Your Yard Free of Ticks

Fall Pet Grooming to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy.

Dog Brush Selection Guide

How Do I Know if my Dog Has Allergies

Halloween Safety Pet Tips