Activities & More

Calling someone the “cat’s pajamas,” “cat’s meow” or “cat’s whiskers” was a big compliment in the 1920s, when Felix the Cat was a popular cartoon character. Click here for more famous cartoon cats.

Black cats like Archie’s, with spots of white on their chest and paws, are known as “tuxedo cats” because their coloring is reminiscent of a tuxedo with a white collar and cuffs. Though found throughout the animal kingdom, black-and-white spotted animals really stand out from the crowd.

Do black cats bring good luck or bad? Black cats were popular in ancient Egypt to honor a goddess depicted with a cat’s head. More recently, ships sailed with a black cat aboard for luck on long voyages. Many in Japan, England and Ireland believe that black cats bring good fortune. But they once signified black magic: In medieval Europe and colonial America, black cats were thought to be spooky “familiars,” or companions, of witches.

There are a lot of ways to acquire a pet, but bringing home a rescue animal is our favorite. Here are some excellent reasons to adopt. Below, you can read about the adoption programs of well-known animal welfare organizations. Or, you might consider an independent rescue and adoption service in your community.

• ASPCA
• American Humane Society
• Humane Society
• Petfinder
• Pet Smart Charities