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I photograph adoptable animals as a volunteer at the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA) in Santa Clara, California.
Each year, the black kittens and cats are the last ones to be adopted, and each year that bums me out because black cats are wonderful! They've gotten some bad publicity (I'm talking about you, silly superstitions) but nothing that can't be overcome with some better PR—right?
So, this year, my SVACA colleagues and I decided to highlight black and tuxedo cats in a fun way that would celebrate them and take the 'spooky' out of the black cat myth.
Using my own photographs of shelter animals and taxing my wobbly graphic-design skills, I created a series of faux magazine covers and posted them on SVACA's social media for their Black Cat Appreciation Week in January 2019.
Here are my six favourite covers, created over the course of about ten days. Enjoy!
By the way, don't worry about the black cats at SVACA. SVACA is a no-kill shelter and even if black cats have to wait a little longer, everyone finds their forever home. For more information, check out their website at svaca.com—and follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to see more fun posts. (Dog magazine covers coming soon!)
More info: svaca.com
This post may include affiliate links.
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#2
Final score:
34points
#3
Final score:
32points
#4
Final score:
31points
Bluebell Rizzi 6 years ago
"A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere" - I love it.
Janet Robinson 6 years ago
Great photo. This kitty looks just my Madison. I have 2 tuxedo brothers, one with short fur and one with long fur and bushy tail and of course, a totally black cat with a huge personality.
Melanie Thompson 6 years ago
Bluebell Rizzi, I thought that was hilarious too!! People and their superstitions - I've had so many black kitties, and they ALL have crossed my path many times!
Doyle Gunnells 6 years ago
I have 3 black cats and I love them. They are well behaved, most of the time. I would not trade them for any other.
Uncommonsensesc 6 years ago
This guy has a great creative mind - the headlines and authors are priceless!
Wendye Kolles 6 years ago
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! My beautiful Russian Black puss, Rhapsody! He’s so smoochy n SWEET! It’s so CUTE when he closes his eyes cos you can’t really see his face! I don’t know why people are anti-black pusses. They are absolutely GORGEOUS! As well as our sweet Rhapsody, we also have 2 Russian Blue pusses - Gershwin now lives in Heaven and we have our little girl Russian Blue puss, Harmony. ALL THREE of our pusses are SWEET and have the most wonderful personalities! God bless ALL animals, their environments and the people who are passionate about them!
#5
Final score:
30points
#6
Final score:
27points
Matt Palmer 6 years ago
I have a black cat and a stripey cat. I will always have a black cat. Black cats look amazing. She is like a slinky shadow gliding around the place.
The issue of black cats facing challenges in adoption is not unique to the shelters referenced in my volunteer experiences. The story of MeonJi, a black Scottish fold cat with a dynamic personality, showcases just how lovable these felines can be.
To understand more about the charm and appeal of quirky black cats, consider this delightful narrative on how one captivating cat overcame common misconceptions.
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Sue Knerl 6 years ago
I love these covers. When I adopted my black kitten from the kill shelter there was no fee to get the blacks moving. He's a big cat now and I love him. Very sleek, soft and shiny. I was going to name him Slick but settled on Ninja instead after seeing him zoom around and launch himself 3ft off the hallway wall. Yep, Ninja tendencies.
Fuzzball Photography (Post author) 6 years ago
Ninja! Love it! Thanks for the kind words.
Load More Replies...
Zoe's Mom 6 years ago (edited)
I like the idea but not only are black cats the last to be adopted but so are black dogs. I didn't know that until I adopted my Zoe; an almost all black Shepherd mix. But since I've had her, I had someone wanting to buy her from me. I told him that I don't sell family. People have stopped their cars to tell me how pretty she is. That can be a bit creepy at times. I hope your projects boost the adoption of these beautiful creatures.
Fuzzball Photography (Post author) 6 years ago
Thanks for the great idea, Zoe's Mom! Since I'm working on some dog-themed magazine covers now, I'll try featuring black dogs on one. Black is the new black, right? :)
Load More Replies...
Teree Tart 6 years ago
These covers are excellent, very funny and a great idea. I have two full black cats and two black and white. I've had lots of black cats and a few other colours, I can't resist the black ones though, just so beautiful.
Johane Roberts 6 years ago
I had a black cat named Pushkin. Named for the Pushkin vodka bottles in the rubbish bag I found her in as a kitten. Someone threw her away because she was black. She disappeared three years ago, I suspect someone killed her because in my country black cats still have a lot of stigma attached to them. But black cats are beautiful. These covers are gorgeous!
The True Red Panda 6 years ago
I have a black cat named Sansa, and her worst quality is probably vanity! She loves attention and must always be licked to perfection!(she does the licking, not us.) I don't know why black cats are disliked, even now! They are beautiful. A cat's faults can only be in personality, not color.
Paw Paw 6 years ago
What an amazing job! The pics, the inventive titles, AND the little descriptions of contents. "Fuzzy Blanket Care Tips"! "Litterbox Zen Gardens". "Blackus Catus". PRICELESS! Sharing this with all my cat and animal-loving friends. Thank you for caring about cats - especially the forgotten blackies. I miss our Pepper, Tobey (October) and sweet Kaity.
Dolly Addams 6 years ago
These are absolutely AMAZING!! As a retired copywriter, I'm drawn to the truly creative, and these covers are the best. And not incidentally, I'm a total pushover for black cats AND black dogs — in fact, when we adopted our beautiful black Lab mix 11 years ago, we specifically sought out a black dog, having just heard it was harder to get them adopted. Fuzzball Photography, you're a hero in my book!
Marilyn Hingston 6 years ago
I have 3 black cats (and one black dog) and they are awesome.....they all have different personalities, but are all so loving and beautiful.
PeggyLynn Caudle 6 years ago
These are wonderful - and I would also love to read the articles ;-) We had a black/white and tabby for 23 years and now have a beautiful black girl, Gigi, and her tuxedo brother, Spats. I can't imagine losing the love and fun they share because of silly myths and superstitions. And the kids who come to the door at Halloween obviously feel the same! Thanks for the work you and SVACA are doing. Porch-time...d44e99.jpg 
Pat Newman 6 years ago
Beyond darling. I can’t see how this would not find forever homes for those beauties. Cuddles & kisses. Who doesn’t want those
Pat Newman 6 years ago
Beyond darling. I can’t see how this would not work finding forever homes for those beauties
Lee Tingle 6 years ago
These are awesome! So funny, stylish and clever...I wish they were real mags...I want to read the stories, so much better than the human version of these mags:) Black Beauty Kitties Rule!
Nancy Dinkel 6 years ago
Love these! And I love black cats. I recently moved in with my mom and she does not like cats in her home, so I am currently feline free. After she is gone, I plan to get 3, circumstances permitting - 1 white, 1 grey, and 1 black!
Rick Haywood (graywoulf) 6 years ago
These are pawsome! Black cats are my favorites and always will be.
Kathleen Fitzgerald 6 years ago
I have three black cats, each awesome in its own way. Love 'em!
Angela Hudson 6 years ago
Rascal was a 'found' kitten on facebook. messaged "I want to adopt if his people don't show up" couple weeks later 4lb little bit of a cat was mine. now 14 lb 1yr old cuddle kitten bigger than older sis Joy Grey cat and where ever I am , he is. da-king-5c...490caf.jpg 
Shirley Smith 6 years ago
Great idea!!! Black cats rock and I don’t understand the superstition or whatever it is that keeps people from adopting these babies!!! Thank you for helping them.
Susan Rosemarin 6 years ago
Thank you for making my day with these adorably funny covers ! LOVE THIS!
Sue Knerl 6 years ago
I love these covers. When I adopted my black kitten from the kill shelter there was no fee to get the blacks moving. He's a big cat now and I love him. Very sleek, soft and shiny. I was going to name him Slick but settled on Ninja instead after seeing him zoom around and launch himself 3ft off the hallway wall. Yep, Ninja tendencies.
Fuzzball Photography (Post author) 6 years ago
Ninja! Love it! Thanks for the kind words.
Load More Replies... Zoe's Mom 6 years ago (edited)
I like the idea but not only are black cats the last to be adopted but so are black dogs. I didn't know that until I adopted my Zoe; an almost all black Shepherd mix. But since I've had her, I had someone wanting to buy her from me. I told him that I don't sell family. People have stopped their cars to tell me how pretty she is. That can be a bit creepy at times. I hope your projects boost the adoption of these beautiful creatures.
Fuzzball Photography (Post author) 6 years ago
Thanks for the great idea, Zoe's Mom! Since I'm working on some dog-themed magazine covers now, I'll try featuring black dogs on one. Black is the new black, right? :)
Load More Replies... Teree Tart 6 years ago
These covers are excellent, very funny and a great idea. I have two full black cats and two black and white. I've had lots of black cats and a few other colours, I can't resist the black ones though, just so beautiful.
Johane Roberts 6 years ago
I had a black cat named Pushkin. Named for the Pushkin vodka bottles in the rubbish bag I found her in as a kitten. Someone threw her away because she was black. She disappeared three years ago, I suspect someone killed her because in my country black cats still have a lot of stigma attached to them. But black cats are beautiful. These covers are gorgeous!
The True Red Panda 6 years ago
I have a black cat named Sansa, and her worst quality is probably vanity! She loves attention and must always be licked to perfection!(she does the licking, not us.) I don't know why black cats are disliked, even now! They are beautiful. A cat's faults can only be in personality, not color.
Paw Paw 6 years ago
What an amazing job! The pics, the inventive titles, AND the little descriptions of contents. "Fuzzy Blanket Care Tips"! "Litterbox Zen Gardens". "Blackus Catus". PRICELESS! Sharing this with all my cat and animal-loving friends. Thank you for caring about cats - especially the forgotten blackies. I miss our Pepper, Tobey (October) and sweet Kaity.
Dolly Addams 6 years ago
These are absolutely AMAZING!! As a retired copywriter, I'm drawn to the truly creative, and these covers are the best. And not incidentally, I'm a total pushover for black cats AND black dogs — in fact, when we adopted our beautiful black Lab mix 11 years ago, we specifically sought out a black dog, having just heard it was harder to get them adopted. Fuzzball Photography, you're a hero in my book!
Marilyn Hingston 6 years ago
I have 3 black cats (and one black dog) and they are awesome.....they all have different personalities, but are all so loving and beautiful.
PeggyLynn Caudle 6 years ago
These are wonderful - and I would also love to read the articles ;-) We had a black/white and tabby for 23 years and now have a beautiful black girl, Gigi, and her tuxedo brother, Spats. I can't imagine losing the love and fun they share because of silly myths and superstitions. And the kids who come to the door at Halloween obviously feel the same! Thanks for the work you and SVACA are doing. Porch-time...d44e99.jpg
Pat Newman 6 years ago
Beyond darling. I can’t see how this would not find forever homes for those beauties. Cuddles & kisses. Who doesn’t want those
Pat Newman 6 years ago
Beyond darling. I can’t see how this would not work finding forever homes for those beauties
Lee Tingle 6 years ago
These are awesome! So funny, stylish and clever...I wish they were real mags...I want to read the stories, so much better than the human version of these mags:) Black Beauty Kitties Rule!
Nancy Dinkel 6 years ago
Love these! And I love black cats. I recently moved in with my mom and she does not like cats in her home, so I am currently feline free. After she is gone, I plan to get 3, circumstances permitting - 1 white, 1 grey, and 1 black!
Rick Haywood (graywoulf) 6 years ago
These are pawsome! Black cats are my favorites and always will be.
Kathleen Fitzgerald 6 years ago
I have three black cats, each awesome in its own way. Love 'em!
Angela Hudson 6 years ago
Rascal was a 'found' kitten on facebook. messaged "I want to adopt if his people don't show up" couple weeks later 4lb little bit of a cat was mine. now 14 lb 1yr old cuddle kitten bigger than older sis Joy Grey cat and where ever I am , he is. da-king-5c...490caf.jpg
Shirley Smith 6 years ago
Great idea!!! Black cats rock and I don’t understand the superstition or whatever it is that keeps people from adopting these babies!!! Thank you for helping them.
Susan Rosemarin 6 years ago
Thank you for making my day with these adorably funny covers ! LOVE THIS!
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