Ari, the house panther, has some very peculiar habits. This femme fatale likes to arch her back and beckon her owner to chase her through the house, while she banks off of walls, door frames and furnishings. She also has a weird penchant for almonds. Yes, that small oval nut. She holds them in the palm of her paw or carries them in her mouth, bringing them to their ultimate demise.
Living with a House Panther
Ari’s owner knew she wanted to adopt a cat, but finding the right spirit to share her home was not easy. She checked out many shelter kitties before falling in love with the shy black cat she ultimately brought home.
As Ari settled in, her unique personality began to reveal itself. This house panther likes to arch her back and bristle to get your attention. Once she has that, she leaps off of walls and door frames enticing us into a game of chase.
Her other quirk? She likes to play with almonds. She caries them around in her mouth, plays fetch, and when she is done with her almond, she drowns it in her water bowl. Interestingly, our cats do the same with thing with house mice.
What Is Special About Black Cats?
Black cats are considered symbols of good luck in Japan and Scotland. In Egypt they were revered as mini gods. Their ability to protect grain stores from vermin, kept them in high regard across many cultures for centuries. In fact, British sailors frequently sought black cats as their ship cats, as they believed they were good luck, and their presence would ensure a safe return home.
In the Middle Ages, black cats began to be associated with witches and magic. This negative association created a fear of black cats that still persists to this day. Black cats are often the last cats to be adopted from rescue, as a result they tend to stay in shelters longer than cats of other colors.
Their high levels of melanin, the pigment that makes them black, makes them more resistant to disease. Research has shown they have a high resistance to diseases such as Feline AIDS. So if you are seeking a happy, healthy companion, consider the black cat as a lucky charm next time you bring a kitty home.
