This is one of the reasons I picked out Raven, my new little black kitty.

[tblue37]

2. On July 2 of last year I coaxed inside a large, young, black feral stray--

who is now Tico (short for Gatico, Spanish for "kitten&quot , my much loved kitty #4.

Many solid black shorthairs (perhaps even all of them--the science on this is not settled) are half Siamese, and it is evident that my Tico is that.

He was about 18 months old when I persuaded him to join my feline family. He had been hanging around the apartment and the general area, but it took quite a while for me to persuade him that he could get within petting range. He obviously wanted my attention--often following me on my walks and hanging nearby to chat at me when I was outside--or sometimes even through the window. But he was smart enough not to get too close before he was sure of me.

That is probably why he was able to survive as a feral cat for as long as he did. Unfortunately, those who would harm small animals often select black cats to torture and kill, especially around Halloween. If he had let just anyone grab him, he might not have lasted long enough for me to coax him into my home.