Patches McFadden
Meet Patches McFadden
Five years ago, I adopted my first indoor black cat named Patches from the Story County Animal Shelter in Nevada, Iowa. At the time, I attempted to adopt Cat Number 3 several times, but I encountered rejection after rejection.
- I tried to adopt a three-legged kitten from Des Moines, but they got adopted before I inquired about it.
- I applied to adopt a cat with vision issues from the Buchanan County Animal Shelter in Hazleton. Still, my application was rejected because the cat had too many medical expenses and required a one-story home, while I had litter boxes in my wet basement.
- I tried to adopt a one-eyed cat from the Story County Animal Shelter. That cat already got adopted by the time I inquired, but they recommended another young black cat named Patches.
The shelter manager sent me a picture of Patches, and it was love at first sight. I was dumb enough to show my coworkers at the time. Their reaction was bad because they thought she was ugly and creepy because of her one eye.
Even one of my friends to this day thinks Patches is mentally challenged and goofy because she meows so much and has a different personality than the stereotypical cat.
Unfortunately, this negativity is fairly common among black cats. Many people, especially in Western cultures, think that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck due to their association with witches back in the day. That's why you can't adopt black cats from most shelters in October.
Sadly, Patches was most likely the victim of being unlucky in another way. In early November 2020, she was brought to the county animal shelter with a horrible eye infection when she was three months old. They were not entirely sure, but I guessed that some kids poked her eye on or around Halloween. They could not save her right eye, so they stitched it up.
The reason it took so long for Patches to get adopted was that they forgot to spay her because she was too young to do so after she had recovered from the eye infection. They ended up paying for me to get it done after adopting her because they didn't do it beforehand.
Patches has been a handful over the years. Besides being a cuddly and loveable cat, I tend to take her to the vet every 1-2 months because she is more immunocompromised than my other cats. She's doing fine right now.
I hope you learned a thing or two from Patches, besides the fact that no black cat should be harmed.
10 Reasons Black Cats Deserve a Home
1. Unfair Stigma
For centuries, black cats have been linked to bad luck, witchcraft, or dark omens. These myths unfairly cast them in a negative light, even though they are no different from any other cat. In truth, they are just as sweet, playful, and loving as their tabby, calico, or orange counterparts.
2. Overlooked in Shelters
Because of these old superstitions, black cats are often the last to be adopted and the first to be overlooked in shelters. Choosing a black cat doesn't just give you an excellent companion. It literally gives them a second chance at life.
3. Gorgeous Coats
There's something breathtaking about the deep, sleek beauty of a black cat's coat. Their fur shines in the sunlight, and their striking eyes stand out in a way that makes them look mysterious, elegant, and regal. I've gotten a lot of compliments on Patches's and Sabrina's black fur looking so beautiful from some black cat lovers.
4. Wonderful Companions
Like every cat, black cats have an endless capacity for love. They purr in your lap, follow you from room to room, and playfully bat at toys. Their affection and loyalty prove that "unlucky" is the last word that should ever describe them.
5. Photogenic Charm
Black cats have a natural flair for the camera. Whether silhouetted against a sunny window or curled up on a cozy blanket, their fur contrasts beautifully in photos. They turn everyday snapshots into works of art.
6. Health Benefits
Adopting any cat brings comfort and companionship, but black cats often need it most. Studies show that living with pets reduces stress, eases loneliness, and improves heart health. In return for giving them a home, they'll make your life brighter and healthier.
7. Cultural Symbols
Not every culture sees black cats as unlucky. In Japan, they're considered a sign of good fortune, and in ancient Egypt, they were revered as sacred animals. In many places, they symbolize prosperity and protection.
8. Unique Personalities
Every black cat has its own quirks—some are silly, some are regal, and some are pure cuddlebugs. Spend time with one, and you'll quickly see their personality shine through, breaking the idea that they're all the same.
9. They Break Myths
By adopting a black cat, you help rewrite the story. You challenge the old stereotypes and show others that these cats are not unlucky but wonderful companions. Your choice helps shift how people see them.
10. They Deserve Love
Most importantly, black cats deserve the same safe, loving homes as any other cat. They are living beings with hearts full of affection and joy. Bringing one into your life is not just an act of kindness—it's the start of a beautiful friendship.
Rewriting the Story of Black Cats
Patches McFadden is living proof that black cats are anything but unlucky. She may have lost an eye, but she never lost her spirit or her ability to give endless love. Despite being overlooked, judged, and possibly harmed, she has grown into a loyal, affectionate, and resilient companion.
Her story mirrors that of so many black cats who wait in shelters, passed by simply because of old superstitions or shallow perceptions. Yet behind every pair of golden or green eyes is a cat ready to bring joy, comfort, and unconditional love into someone's life.
When you adopt a black cat, you're not just giving a home to an animal in need. You're rewriting a narrative of neglect and replacing it with one of compassion. Patches, and countless others like her, show us that every cat deserves a chance to be cherished, no matter their color, quirks, or challenges.
So the next time you step into a shelter, don't overlook the sleek, shining black cat in the corner. You might just find your own Patches—your best friend, your family, your reminder that love is the luckiest thing of all. Adopting a black cat isn't just a gift to them. It's a win-win that will change both of your lives for the better.
With love (and a little purr),
Patches McFadden 🐾
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