In many parts of the world, black cats still have a harder time finding homes. Here, in the United States, we’re happy to see that irrational superstitions about them are fading way. We know that Cole and now Mazikeen (Maz) are playing a part in inspiring people to adopt black cats. And it’s wonderful seeing rescuers saying their ‘house panthers’ are popular and finding homes. Black cats definitely bring good luck and are such elegant companions, regardless of where you live.
Here’s the story about a rescued black kitten from across the world in South Korea. What is it like for black cats there? We’ll find out, and this story has an interesting twist!
A ‘Soot Sprite’ with a Twist
Foster mom Gabrielle came to the rescue when a TNR (trap, neuter, return) colony caretaker found a tiny ‘Soot Sprite’ meowing for help from under a car. This friendly kitten had something unusual about him that gave clues about where he came from. His ears are folded, which suggests breeders might have dumped him.
“Meet Soot. Soot is a Scottish Fold. How did I happen upon a purebred kitten? Well, in South Korea pet stores and breeders dump kittens they can’t sell outside. Someone dumped Soot among a colony of cats,” Gabrielle explained.
Soot shortly after coming home to his foster mom Gabrielle. Images via Instagram/licorice_lucy_soot
One Lucky Soot Sprite
As we know, cats bred for cute, folded ears may also be born with lifelong health issues affecting their cartilage and bone. But after a trip to the vet, Gabrielle was thrilled to find out Soot didn’t appear to be affected.
Note: Breeders may claim that pairing a purebred cat with another cat without the folded ear trait avoids inherited health problems. But that’s not always true. So, Soot was extremely lucky in many ways.
It was still mysterious why the tiny kitten was dumped. But he was a little odd-looking and, thus, may have been harder to sell. But to his new mom and fans online, he’s purrfect. In fact, he’s irresistibly cute.
“I think Soot is adorable, but I think it’s partly because he looks like he was made from spare parts at the cat factory,” shared Gabrielle.
Everyone fell in love with Soot and enjoyed seeing his cute expressions, of which there were many!
This kitten was also blessed with the cutest purrsonality.
“Soot has probably the best expressions of any kitten ever.”
And the resident black cat, Licorice, didn’t object too much to Soot’s affections.
Licorice and Soot cuddling
“Just my little Soot Sprite”
“You have been blessed with a Soot blep.”
For more, you can follow Soot and friends Licorice and Lucy on Instagram.
Life for Cats in South Korea
Although Soot avoided health problems associated with his folded ears, there were many health concerns along the way. He went to the veterinarian many times and was small for his age. Thanks to all the care and love, he overcame the issues and grew up strong, but still a little endearingly odd looking.
“What IS this creature? 🤣”
It looks like Soot has become a purrmanent addition to the family. But if he were to go up for adoption, how would he fare in South Korea? According to the rescuer’s experience, black cats may have a slightly harder time. Yet the more determining factor is their age. People generally want to adopt young kittens and prefer fluffy coats, much like here in the US.
That’s too bad, as adult cats of all kinds make purrfect companions, particularly for those who prefer a quiet home life. Well, not always quiet, but not as chaotic as life with rambunctious kittens on the loose!
Cats, in general, have been culturally associated with superstitions in Korea, and not only black cats. Fortunately, those attitudes are changing, thanks in large part to the efforts of determined animal lovers and rescuers. Changes to protect animals by law have also helped. But cats living on the streets still face extreme challenges. We all have to keep working for a better world for cats and other animals, which ultimately means a better world for everyone.
Here’s Cole and Marmalade’s Cat Man Chris on black cats’s unfair reputation and why it’s a great idea to adopt one (or two!).
