A Miracle of Mysterious Behavior

When it comes to behavior, cats and dogs can easily confuse their human caretakers. For example, why would a mothering cat choose to nurse not only a stray kitten, but also two stray puppies? It sounds unlikely, and yet a cat in Rock Island, Illinois is doing exactly that.

Larisa and Sipura

Their cuteness factor is off the charts! Black "panther" cubs Larisa and Sipura made their debut at Berlin's Tierpark Zoo June 10th. Needless to say, they wowed spectators and photographers with their fluffy faces and bright-blue eyes. Click through for more adorableness.

Black Cat Casting Call

Okay, this photo is an instant favorite. In 1961, black cat owners lined up at a Hollywood casting call for a thriller directed by Roger Corman, and starring Vincent Price. The director sought one lucky black cat to co-star, and six lookalikes to stand in.

Black Cats in Fine Art

Impressionist painter Pierre Carrier-Belleuse (1851-1933) called Montmartre, Paris home during the artistic boom of the 1880s, when many artists flocked to the area. The infamous Moulin Rouge opened its doors in 1881, and boasted operettas and can-can dancers. Le Chat Noir, "the most extraordinary cabaret in the world," also delighted its visitors. Pierre may be best known for his pastel portrayals of ballet dancers. In Ballerina with a Black Cat, and Young Ballerina Holding a Black Cat you can see the artist's appreciation of his subjects. Read about other Black Cats in Fine Art here.

Stormy Crossing

A black cat in Southern California is known as a helpful crossing-guard aide and friend to school children. Stormy meets crossing guard Barbara in the morning and walks with her to her post. She then perches near (or on) Barbara's folding chair and presides over the morning's comings and goings. Stormy's caretakers live nearby and say Stormy has always been a curious, friendly cat. The article also includes a video of Stormy at work.

Cat Artist

Picatso showed up at Howick College in Auckland, New Zealand a few weeks ago, and seems taken with the idea she too could be the next ...Rembrandt. Dubbed "Picatso" by students, she likes to sleep on the photocopier and wander into art classes. She is actually a rare dark tortoiseshell, who staff assume is dearly missed by her proper owner. If no one comes to claim her, a staff member will take her to the SPCA.

Shop Cats

West Seattle Blog has a feature on "shop cats:" cats who call offices, instead of homes, home. West Seattle's PB&J Textiles provides a home to Dakota and Murphy. Dakota, described as a BIG black cat, likes to purr and sit in the sun. Murphy, the more timid of the two, sometimes pops up where you least expect her. The two were adopted as mousers for the business. At first, the former owners were uncertain a busy shop atmosphere was the best place. Since then, the pair has achieved local-celebrity status, and couldn't seem happier.

Black Jaguar Born at Peruvian Zoo

A jaguar cub now calls the biggest zoo in Lima, Peru home, and made a public debut April 14 under Mother's watchful eyes. The birth - the first in captivity this year - is significant to conservation efforts because the jaguar is a "near threatened" species whose numbers are in decline. A black jaguar is rare; black coats happen in only 6% of the species. Black jaguars are sometimes called black panthers, but the term "black panther" is generic and can refer to both jaguars and cougars.

Beyonce the New Catwoman?

It's not just another Hollywood rumor - the pop diva herself recently commented on donning the catsuit in an upcoming film. But there's no plan to include her in a Dark Knight sequel - if/when Beyonce does pull on Catwoman's claws, she'll do it to portray the venerable Eartha Kitt.

Emergency Preparedness for Your Pet

This article contains excellent advice on what to do for your pets in case of a regional catastrophe. It's important to note cats cannot contract swine flu, but everyone lives somewhere primed for a potential disaster - fire, flood, earthquake, tornado, hurricane... Melissa Kruse from the Seattle Examiner provides five steps you can take ahead of time.

Literary Cat

Our across-the-pond neighbors in Southeast England enjoy a special visitor to their library in Kent. Rescue cat Fidel visits the library every day while his caretakers are at work. No one on the library's staff feeds him, so they assume he's there to read. Or nap. He likes a particular blue chair. When he sees his caretakers return he goes home, but just for the night.

Compassion for Black Cats

When Sue Novak's cat Brie passed away in her arms, she soon thought of adopting another cat to fill the open space in her four-legged tribe. Sue is a board member of the Lawrence Humane Society in Kansas, and knows the plight of black-furred dogs and cats. She made a big-hearted choice and brought Cassie, (a 9-year-old black short hair), home. Pictured here is Otis Charles - OC for short - one of many special black cats available for adoption at the Lawrence Humane Society. His story is worth reading, and hopefully someone will take him home soon.

Circus Cats

Animal trainer Samantha Martin says any animal can be trained - even cats. Her troop of performers, the Acro-Cats, are a consistent delight to audiences. What happens when a cat misses her cue? Nothing. Samantha knows cats are easily distracted, and lets them choose whether or not to perform the trick, which makes watching them even more entertaining. She seems gentle and patient with her cats - traits every trainer (and owner) should have. She also says cats would rather learn a trick for a treat than lounge around all day.