Though Blackie never found a forever home after being rescued in 2017, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said the black cat was ‘never unloved’ – even after his death.
PAWS shared Blackie’s story in a Facebook post this week, hoping his memory will inspire more people to adopt strays, especially older or overlooked animals.
Blackie arrived at the PAWS shelter in 2017 as ‘a frail little kitten with a long deep gash across his back.’ Over the years, he learned to trust humans again and grew into a gentle, affectionate cat, the organization said.
Despite his sweet nature, Blackie was never adopted. Like many senior, scarred, or darker-colored cats, he spent years waiting as others left the shelter for new homes.
‘Behind that scar was a heart that only ever wanted to love and be loved back,’ PAWS wrote. ‘Adoption days came and went, and as he watched his fellow rescues make their way home, no one ever came for him.’
The group said lingering superstitions about black cats, his visible scar, and his age may have worked against him. ‘Whatever the ‘reason,’ the heartbreaking truth remains: many rescued animals like Blackie, especially those with scars, darker coats, or senior years, are too often overlooked,’ PAWS added.
Changing old superstitions, Black cats have long been branded as symbols of bad luck in Filipino folklore, a superstition that continues to affect adoption rates. But PAWS said perceptions are slowly changing as more people embrace animal welfare and challenge myths linking coat color to fate.
The shift was also helped by pop culture. The 2024 animated film ‘Flow’ – which features a black cat as a heroic survivor in a post-apocalyptic world – became a global hit and won Best Animated Feature at the 97th Academy Awards, marking the first Oscar win for a Latvian film.
‘Worthy of love.’ PAWS ended its post with an appeal to potential adopters: open your homes to rescues like Blackie.
‘This is why we fight so hard to change misconceptions and perceptions about rescues – because every life, no matter the age or appearance, is worthy of love,’ the organization said.