Black Cat, sitting (Schleich Farm by Schleich)

Review and images by Saarlooswolfhound; edited by bmathison1972

In keeping with the Halloween theme for the upcoming holiday, here is presented the Schleich #13004 sitting black cat (Felis catus). This model was released in 1984 in the early days of the company as part of the Schleich Farm series and was later discontinued in 1997. Because this model had a good long run of production during the early stages of the company, the paint work changed a few times over the course of its long life and several variations are now present for collectors to enjoy today.

The model itself sits just shy of 2 in. tall or a little over 5 cm. The basic color scheme for this model is a black base coat with white paws, tail tip, and patch on the chest. The yellow eyes, pink nose, and white whiskers are clumsily painted but this adds a lot of personality to the model and reminds the owner of the roots of one of the largest toy figure producers today.

To round out the holiday theme for this submission, here is a small dose of superstition to add to the write up. For centuries, these darkly pigmented felines have garnered myth, tales, and superstition in the human psyche. Some common falsehoods about these animals can include such ideas as black cats being witches in disguise attempting to spy on human victims. Another classic is that they are bad luck if one crosses your path (adverse to the good luck of a white cat doing so). Other myths include that another family member may pass if you spot one at a funeral procession, or even one walking directly away from you can inspire years of bad fortune. Some alternative superstitions from other places in the world may include: in the UK that you may be lucky in life while owning a black feline friend; in Japan you may find love if you spot one; in England if a bride receives a black cat she will be lucky; European sailors may have a safe journey if one is present on the ship; and in Scotland you have coming prosperity if one rests in your porch doorway. Of course, many of these likely have no real link to reality; however, this line of thought proves the presence of these felines in our consciousness.

Following here are some true facts about these remarkable animals. Researchers have discovered that the genetic mutations responsible for their dark pelage may offer some resistance to diseases. If a black cat contains the gene for another coat color form, such as gray-brown tabby, and if it spends significant amounts of time in the sun then this animal can actually change color. The function of this is that the UV rays from the sun break down the melanin pigmentation and thus reveals the patterning for the underlying coloration. Some popular breeds that may have this stunning coat color can include Bombay, Chantilly-Tiffany, Persian, Maine Coon, several Rexes (Cornish, Selkirk, and Devon Rex), American Shorthair, British Shorthair, several bobtails (Japanese and American), to only name a few. Cats in general, to which black cats would be no different, can also rotate their ears 180 degrees and have hearing that is at least five times keener than that of the average human adult. They spend 70% of their day sleeping and 15% grooming. They have no eyelashes and cannot see directly under their nose. They do not have a sweet tooth like some dogs do, they lack the taste receptor for it. Cats make over 100 different vocalizations compared to domestic canines who only make 10. There are approximately 71 recognized breeds today, compared to dogs’ 400. There are fun facts to share all day long about these animals, but we will stop here.

Lastly, back to the assessment of the model itself. As a collector I am not particularly critical of models themselves as I view them in a few different ways, realism, character, history, and artistic function. For me, this model in a lot of ways is more realistic to me than many other cat figures. The physical posture, specifically the dorsal region, shows heavy suggestion of an actual spine and imitates this physical feature quite well compared to other more modern models. The facial proportions, besides perhaps the ears, are also well balanced and pleasing to the eye (mostly noticeable in a silhouette view). The figure indeed lacks texture, a product of its age; it makes up for in the physical sculpt shape itself. The paint work also leaves much to be desired in a modern sense, but once again, for me it simply speaks to history. So, if you can forgive the few lacking points of this handsome feline and appreciate what marvelous detail it presents that is lacking in other models, then this kitty is right for your collection. I hope you all have a spooky Halloween!