I still haven’t removed Fiona’s food bowls or Donovan’s pad behind the heater. I know the sweet ones are gone but I just can’t bring myself to remove these last traces of such extraordinary cats. McGee slept with me last night, on my chest. This is a new behavior for him, his brother Donovan is the one who was the chest sleeper.
I know in the past I have made reference to The Black Plague- the endless amount of black kittens who were always seen as “unadoptable.” I grew so tired of people on the phone, or here at the house, looking at these sweet kittens then turning to me and saying “But don’t you have them in any other color?” Don’t they know that black is the primary color of all the colors?
So after months of hearing this, I decided to try and make them colorful to see if I could adopt them out. So, how can I do this? I would never paint a cat, because, I just never would (the other cats would laugh at them!) I debated painting a flower on their ear in nail polish until I read that nail polish is highly toxic to cats- so that was out.
I was shopping at WalMart and of course haunting the pet aisle and I saw these tiny dog clothes marked down in price. They were for the pocket pets marked XS. Colorful and vibrant, they stood out from all the rest, so I bought a few and brought them home.
It took a lot of patience, quick food bribes and lightning hands to not get scratched! But I managed to get the black kitties used to wearing their new threads while they were eating (distraction is always good). Then it was “photo op” day for America’s Favorite Top Models- once they had been photographed, I took the clothes right off them and got them back to their natural state.
I posted the photos in the adoption ads and these kittens went flying out the door! I am still simply amazed how quickly everyone found loving homes! I did tell the new owners that under no circumstances should they continue to dress up these kittens-that it was simply an marketing stunt!
I’ve heard back from the families and they are all so thrilled with their new black kitties! One woman confessed to me that if she goes out and adopts another kitten or a cat it will be black! So Yay for the team and I am passing on my tip to all of you who might be struggling to get black kitties adopted out. Again, don’t just put the clothes on and expect kitty to accept them-if you took a picture of the early wardrobe change it wouldn’t be pretty! But patience and using food as a motivator, they learn to accept their new wardrobe long enough to get a photo out there.
And don’t use doll clothes- let them have some dignity! Some of the dog clothes out there are mighty cute almost as cute as black kitties themselves!
What a great idea! All it takes is for people to meet these loveable animals and any thought of colour would be forgotten. Why would people not want black cats? Anyway, it was an excellent thought about the clothes; I’m going to pass this on to the rescue group I work with.
That is too funny that it worked! Will have to keep that in mind when I get another all black litter.
I actually have a kitty that doesn’t mind in the least being dressed up. She actually prances around when she has pretty clothes on. I don’t leave them on long term because I figure she’ll just ruin them, but it amuses us both to have dress up day every once in a while.
The others, they run and hide when the clothes come out.. and I respect that.
I don’t understand how some people can pass up a great cat/kitten simply because it’s black! I did some reading on black cats and the reverse is true, black cats bring GOOD luck! It’s even better luck if a black cat greets you at the door..In fact I have a male black cat that does just that! LOL This one came from a pound. My other black cat is a former feral who is long haired and beautiful. Although skittish with strangers, she’s a love muffin with the family. Wish more people would consider adopting black cats.. They aren’t anymore evil than you or I! Just ignorant thinking.
I LOVE black cats (have two currently) and LOVE your new marketing strategy. So glad it worked. And that picture is absolutely adorable 🙂
What a clever idea to help black kittens get adopted. Mommy says if anyone ever saw a black kitten in sunlight they would never want another color as their fur just glistens.
We had a litter from a feral that one of them was quite sickly and began plucking. To keep her from do it we put a xs dog t-shirt on her. It worked like a charm AND she loved it. She now has other outfits that she dances around in. She doesnt wear them all the time, but eagerly waits when being dressed. She is a dilute torti and is much healthier now and loves her clothes! People are willing to adopt any color dressed up too.
LOVE IT!!! I’m going to make sure I pass this wisdom to my fellow rescue friends who will love this idea too. Fantastic!
It is considered good luck if a black cat crosses your path in England! I really have not had a problem here in Tennessee with finding homes for my black kittens – in fact, some people prefer them. And, yes, I do check out everyone before I let the kittens go anywhere. Some of the new owners have had black cats in the past and just want a kittty just like the one they had as a child. Other families will take a female calico, but want a male black kitten… it’s all personal taste. I have had black cats all my life, partly because I would usually get my cats from the pound and would choose an older black cat since I felt that I was rescuing it since most people go for the little kitties and ignore the older cats.
Great idea! I am curious, how many kitties got adopted and do you have more pictures?
ten kittens were adopted out and yes, I have more photos, but I can’t seem to find my camera and that is where the pictures are stored.
Most of the kitties I’ve had in my life have been all black (and 4 current ones are). I think they’re gorgeous, but I make sure to have extra nightlights on after dark. I don’t want to accidentally kick or trip on one of my sweet furbabies!
We love black kitties and are so happy for your successful way of getting them adopted. So sorry for your recent losses. Each one is so hard; it seems the heart breaks for every one. And they leave kitty-shaped holes, each one.
So glad you got some black kitties adopted! I’ve had black cats and I dont know what people’s probem is with them.. other than they are hard to see in a cage, but still. Another trick I’d heard about was naming them all Jellybean. Who doesnt want a black Jellybean? it makes people stop and look anyway.
I’m so sorry about your loss, it’s so hard sometimes to move on, so leave their things there as long as you need to. I’m glad the other kitty is trying to help by sleeping on you.