Another contentious issue

same here, love both- and yes, cats do smile- wonderful.

Maybe we could lay this anecdote to rest and as they say "revenons a nos chatons moutons?"
Apart from saying that if someone wanted a black cat/Labrador/hen/bird, no I wouldn't call it "racism" , I'd call it preference which is entirely permissible.

indeed, but I'd still prefer for my cat to be stolen by someone who as a preference for our cat (due to its colour- when there were dozens available at the local refuges)- thanks (like a dog with a bone, or is that a cat ;) )

Anyhow, I do prefer black cats- but most of the cats who have owned us have not been black- they just needed a good home at the time, and we gave them one, irrespective of preference. That is the main thing- and what a joy they were- black, tabbies, gingers, and the current one, white and grey- as well as the one we have temporarily adopted until its owners can find a suitable flat, black with 4 white paws- and very cute.

Never seen a cat smile - they leer

NOT to be stolen- obviously, sorry.

There's an advert [with photo]in our post office to say the local farm has one remaining kitten left in a litter; a little tabby. Well handled and loving. Good job I'm going away tomorrow. By the way, the Ragdolls in the sink are crying out for a 'my sad cat' caption.

Funny that some of you have had lovely tortoiseshells. I was a veterinary nurse for years and we always knew torties would be difficult to handle, either vicious or plain crazy. I've had two and neither was ever house-trained.
I don't believe the colour affects the character of a cat, it can't, only with torties it does!

Re: cat sharing, have you read 'The Guest Cat' which is about that vary subject? It is by a Japanese author whose name escapes me.

The sheltered housing where my DSIL lived had a resident cat who arrived out of the blue one day. He was very generous with his time and shared himself around, spending his nights curled up on some lucky resident's bed. His name was Itawt and he answered to it.

'Itawt Itawt a puddy tat'

Are people who have Siamese, Burmese, Bengals, Maine Coons, Singaporas, Turkish Vans, etc. racist? Just wondered.

apricot There is definitely a reason why they are called "naughty torties". My two remaining girls are tortie-tabbies and are unutterably beautiful, although somewhat scraggy 18-year-olds.

absent as a long term Maine Coon person, I have to admit to having had a Norwegian Forest cat, a Birman, an Abyssinian and many general moggies. I'm an equal opportunities cat owner! They're all lovely to me.

tegan the mysadcats just get better and better. I had 3 more tweeted to me today and laughed and laughed. I think they should be available on the NHS they're such a boost! Thanks for putting me on to them.

of course not absent- and yet, with 1000s of cats awaiting good homes dumped in refuges all over the world- I can never understand why people buy expensive cats from breeders? Same for dogs mind you- I love moggies and mongrels and they are so rewarding, whatever their colour ...