BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY

Meet Leo (orange) and Hariett (black). They enjoy long naps together and anything catnip. Our YouTube channel. We accept Amazon donations to care for ferals. We provide food, water and veterinary along with TNR as we can manage it.

Black Cat Appreciation Day on August 17th aims to dispel all myths surrounding black cats. Additionally, the day shouldn’t be confused with National Black Cat Day.

Superstitions aside, cats are simply adorable, even black ones. These feline creatures in their sleek, black coats may carry an air of mystery. However, most cats do. Along with that, their ability to find mischief or to avoid you equals that of tabbys, cinnamons, gingers, calicos, whites or grays.

However, one black cat fact that holds true is they are less likely to be adopted. Just like black dogs, this variety of cat gets shunned at shelters. Despite this, black cats still respond to love and attention no differently than other felines.

Ahope Santa Rosa rescue

So, let a black cat cross your path. They aren’t witches. More than likely, adopting a black cat will help keep the mouse population down around the place. Expect the number of cuddles in your life to increase, too!

Charlie was abandoned by his previous owners. After a diligent search for his owners, we adopted him. He was already so socialized and sweet, we could not even consider consigning him to a shelter. We already had 3 cats but there was no way this personality would do well in a shelter.

He started out as my kitty, due to some health issues and a natural preference he now adores my husband. They talk, and Charlie will talk and lead you to his treats.

Sadly Charlie crossed the rainbow bridge 3 years ago. We have several Ferals that we care for including an Alfie, Righty, Kitten and Blackie. The latest ones that have become part of our feral group are Domino and Stripes.

Whiskas Temptations Mixups Treats for Cats - Backyard Cookout (Pack of 2)  by Whiskas
Whiskas Temptations Mixups Treats for Cats – Backyard Cookout (Pack of 2)

by Whiskas

HOW TO OBSERVE #BlackCatAppreciationDay

Consider adopting a black cat. Take photos of your black cat, too! Support your local shelters and volunteer. You can groom a black cat (or any cat for that matter), give him cuddles, and maybe even take one home.  Overcome your fears and use #BlackCatAppreciationDay while sharing your new-found love for those black cats on social media. 

SmartyKat Certified Organic Catnip  by SmartyKat
SmartyKat Certified Organic Catnip

by SmartyKat

100% certified organic catnip is safe, pure & potent without chemicals, pesticides or fillers

2 ounce canister allows you to shake or pour catnip

Catnip provides a burst of playful energy

Attracts cats like a magnet!

Use catnip to attract cats to toys, scratchers and bedding

BLACK CAT APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY

Celebrate this day to dispel myths and fears of Black Cats. Every home should have the privilege of a mini panther.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Dry Cat Food, SuperFood Blends

by Rachael Ray Nutrish
Meet Harriet
Meet Harriet

FREE AND OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE MONTH

During February, Free and Open Source Software Month recognizes the cooperative approach to computer programming, open licensing, and free distribution of software.

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) provides free, publicly-available code to users and contributors. Providing users access to the code allows them the opportunity to alter the code. For example, they may alter the code to improve the design, fix glitches, and add features. Open-source software is also free and considered liberally licensed. However, it usually requires that any programmer releasing an altered version must release the source code, too.

Collaborative development from multiple independent sources generates a more diverse scope of design perspective than any one company is capable of developing and sustaining long term. In February 1998, Christine Peterson (Foresight Institute) coined “open source software.” That same month, the foundation of the Open Source Initiative was founded.

Today, Government administrations, universities, companies, and other organizations of all types worldwide use open source solutions. Open-source software has also obtained a significant share of several markets, such as web servers, server operating systems, desktop operating systems, web browsers, databases, e-mail, and other IT infrastructure solutions.

FREE AND OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE MONTH HISTORY

Onyx Point Logo

Onyx Point, Inc. founded Free and Open Source Software Month (#FOSSFeb) to highlight the cooperative principles of open source software and the contributions this approach to software development continues to produce. As avid Open Source supporters and contributors, Onyx Point hopes this annual observance will help to further general understanding and adoption of Open Source principles and projects. Onyx Point, Inc. provides Security, System Administration, IT Automation, Puppet Professional Services, and DevOps consulting for Government and commercial clients. They are the stewards of SIMP, an Open Source project.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #FOSSFeb

Throughout February, explore the variety of open-source software available, actively participate in open source communities/user groups, attend hackathons and Open Source events, and use #FOSSFeb to share on social media.