October is Black Cat Awareness Month

Few black cats have been photographed as strikingly as Kimi the Adventure Cat. The subject of award-winning photos, Kimi (short for Kimura) inspires audiences on Instagram with her friendly cat-narrated perspective on everyday life. She breaks stereotypes about black cats not only with her appearance in detailed, captivating photos but also with her charming personality and fondness of hiking. We interviewed Kimi’s cat parent Akané Nakamura about her love of black cats and how they bring happiness to pet owners fortunate enough to have one.

Is Kimi your first black cat? Have all of your cats been ‘adventure cats’ who enjoy hiking?

Kimi is actually not my first black cat. I have been blessed with black cats my whole life, starting with my childhood cats, CeeCee and Buster. Kimi is, however, my first adventure cat. She has really opened my eyes to how rewarding it can be to adventure with cats. Nature is my happy place, and to be able to experience that peace and joy that I feel when I am in nature with her, my best friend, is really something special.

Has Kimi always been interested in the outdoors and hiking?

Since rescuing Kimi, I always took her everywhere with me. She grew up with my big rescue dog, Hanako, who basically raised her as her own child. Kimi thought of her as her fur mama. I noticed how when I would take Hanako out with me, Kimi was wanting to tag along too. I started taking her with us and decided to leash train her. She took to it almost immediately, following the lead of her fur mama, Hanako. Now I never go on a hike without her!

I read that Kimi is a rescue cat. Where did you find her?

I rescued Kimi when she was just a tiny three-week-old neonatal kitten. I had an unusually late night at work – I think I had gotten home around 3:30 AM, when I heard some very loud cries for help. She was crying so loud at the time that I thought it was my other kitty Sakura, and that she had gotten out somehow. I panicked and ran across the street following the meows. I was shocked when I saw where the meows were coming from, a tiny sick little black kitten all alone in the cold. I scooped her up and brought her inside, worried that she wouldn’t make it through the night. Luckily, she pulled through with lots of care and love. I think her mom may have left her because she was sick, or she may have been dumped by someone. The vet said if I had not found her that night, she would not have made it through the night. Those were her last-ditch effort cries for help. Thank goodness I found her when I did!

As cat parents with black cats know, black cats are good luck. In what ways has Kimi brought you ‘good luck’?

Kimi is such the perfect example that black cats are in fact good luck. Before I found her, I was going through a hard period in my life. Kimi really helped me get through that challenging time and opened my eyes to the joys of adventuring with cats. She motivated me to get back out in nature and enjoy two of my passions again, nature and photography. My life has been so much more blessed since she came into it.

What stereotypes about black cats does Kimi disprove?

Besides the most common stereotype that black cats are unlucky, Kimi disproves other absurd stereotypes associated with black cats as well. For example, people often think of black cats are more aggressive or scary than other cats, when based on my experience, all the black cats I have ever owned have been the most sensitive and loving, Kimi included. Another reason people might be hesitant to adopt a black cat isn’t even related to superstition - It’s solely based on appearance. They think black cats aren’t as photogenic, or beautiful as other colored cats. Black cats make for some striking photographs if you know how to photograph them properly!

Do you have advice for cat parents who have trouble capturing dark fur on camera?

Photographing black cats can be difficult, but it is possible if you know what lighting and conditions work best for photographing them. Usually in photography you want to avoid bright, direct light. Even more so for animals with dark fur. For outdoor photos, I have found that days with an overcast are perfect, or during the “golden hour” of photography – the first and last hour of sunlight during the day. For indoors, some soft natural lighting near a window is best. Make sure to always focus on their eyes, something I believe helps us see the personality of these beautiful kitties and get a sense of who they are.

What is your favorite thing about photographing Kimi?

My favorite thing about photographing Kimi is that she is basically a mini house panther. Her shiny black fur, elegance, sweet personality, and mystery all captured in a photo is truly captivating.

Are there any stories about Kimi that you’d like to share?

Something about Kimi that makes her so special is her loving and nurturing nature. All of my animals are rescues, and the ones that have joined the family after Kimi have all been comforted and welcomed by her. She is very sensitive to the point of realizing they are scared and upset when they arrive and does her best to comfort them. I have never met another cat as sweet and caring as she is. Whenever there is a little scuffle that happens between the other cats or dogs, she will go to break up the fight. She always tries to keep the peace in the house and make sure everyone is happy.

Visit Kimi’s Instagram to follow her adventures!

https://www.instagram.com/kimi.the.adventure.cat?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr