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Someone Notices That Panthers Are Just XXXL Sized Black Cats, Compares Them In 16 Photos
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Someone Notices That Panthers Are Just XXXL Sized Black Cats, Compares Them In 16 Photos

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We share a lot of stories online about people living with exotic wild animals, maybe after a rescue and recovery period that left the animal unable to live in the wild. While these stories may seem inspirational and make you want to welcome a wild prey animal into your home, it’s always important to remember that wild animal, no matter how tame they are, present much greater behavioral problems than animals bred to be domestic, and the people who care for them are most likely not showing the struggles that go on behind the scenes.

If you want a pet with all the majesty and grace of the real kings of the jungle, you don’t have to look far when a simple domestic cat from your local shelter would do. Here are some photos showing how much cats have in common with their distant relatives – black panthers.

They have fearsome fangs

Image credits: Youted

Image credits: unknown

They’re great athletes

Image credits: achoirofcritters

Image credits: unknown

…in more ways than one

Image credits: unknown

Image credits: unknown

They look fierce when on the prowl…

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Image credits: inmyelement

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Image credits: Getty

…or on the move…

Image credits: unknown

Image credits: Giri Cavale

…or just hanging out

Image credits: unknown

Image credits: Getty

Beware of sharp objects

Image credits: unknown

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Image credits: Project Survival’s Cat Haven

But they also have a soft side

Image credits: unknown

Image credits: Dheeraj pach

While it’s a common anecdotal belief that black cats take longer to get adopted in shelters, as artist Jenny Jinya highlights in her viral black cat comics, the relationship between coat color and adoption rates is unclear. In one ASPCA study, black cats indeed made up 30% of cats euthanized in shelters, but also an impressive 31% of adoptions, suggesting that these cute cats may be simply among the most common coat colors born to mixed-breed cats and the most common to end up in shelters in the first place.

It’s also commonplace for shelters not to allow the adoption of black cats leading up to Halloween, due to the widespread belief that black cats are especially desired for ritual sacrifices. However, despite being treated as common knowledge, official reports on whether this is a confirmed practice or an urban legend are fuzzy, and some shelters have been dropping the policy in the 21st century, as the modern adoption application and interview process are deterrent enough for people who may have violent intentions. Shelter workers are more worried about adorable cats living on the streets becoming targets for abuse.

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The Guardian published tips for taking good photos of your black pet cat after British shelters blamed Instagram culture for low black cat adoption rates, saying that potential adopters don’t find them selfie-friendly, but do we really need tips? Surely the fact that they show up in pictures like amorphous black shadows with eyes is part of the appeal. It’s like having a cryptid black animal for a pet. Do you have a house panther you’d like to share pictures of? Comment below!

Commenters voiced their appreciation for these creatures of the night

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popapach avatar
troufaki13
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suddenly miss my black cat... She's not dead, she's at home and I'm at work! :D

kaisu-reinikainen avatar
Kaisu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so sad that because of old superstitions, black cats are still adopted less than other kinds of cats. I had a black cat growing up and she was the sweetest thing ever

vikrant-talponkar avatar
Vic
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But you have to admit, the cats in the pics looked more ferocious than the Panthers 🙂

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popapach avatar
troufaki13
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I suddenly miss my black cat... She's not dead, she's at home and I'm at work! :D

kaisu-reinikainen avatar
Kaisu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so sad that because of old superstitions, black cats are still adopted less than other kinds of cats. I had a black cat growing up and she was the sweetest thing ever

vikrant-talponkar avatar
Vic
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But you have to admit, the cats in the pics looked more ferocious than the Panthers 🙂

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