Author: Janelle Leeson

Cats were sacred in Ancient Egypt, and the color black was associated with fertility and resurrection.   So, black cats were especially revered, and their resemblance to the powerful goddess Bastet—often portrayed with the head of a lioness or a black domestic cat—further elevated their status.  Some devoted cat lovers went so far as to offer mummified cats in her honor, and many were mummified alongside their furry companions so they could remain together in the afterlife, according to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  ,All cats are worthy of love, whether orange and fluffy, sleek and hairless, or gray and floofy. But there’s something undeniably special about black cats.   In fact, the world has been so captivated by them for centuries that myths abound—some magical, some misguided, and some fascinating.  But there’s more to these mini panthers than meets the eye. Here are 11 facts about black cats that might just surprise you. 

Cats come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. But if you’ve ever scrolled through adoptable cats, you might’ve seen one type more than any other: the domestic shorthair (DSH), along with their fluffier counterparts, the domestic medium hair (DMH) and the domestic longhair (DLH). But what is a domestic shorthair cat?   Most cats in homes and shelters are domestic shorthairs, and DSH isn’t a breed.  

Cats have amazing ears that can detect sounds far beyond human or even canine hearing. They can swivel their ears 180 degrees and move them independently of each other. This makes cat ears not just useful for hunting, but also an expressive communication tool.   If you’ve ever noticed your cat’s ears shift from perked up to flattened out and angled sideways like a “T,” that’s cat airplane ears—and your cat’s subtle way of expressing discomfort.  

If the idea of a small flock of rescued sheep grazing in your backyard sounds idyllic, you’re not alone. These gentle grazers can be a joy to care for, but they’re a long-term commitment.  So how long do sheep live? Here’s what to expect and how to help your wooly friends live their best life. 

Do you feel like you have a “mean cat”? When your sweet housemate turns sour, attacking feet, swatting, or even biting, it’s rarely a sign of malice. Rather, cat aggression is a form of communication, often signaling an unmet need or underlying medical issue.   By recognizing subtle shifts in body language, you can give your cat the space they’re asking for before their behavior escalates. Changing a few things at home and taking your cat to the vet for any new or sudden behavior changes are the first steps toward a better relationship with your cat.