The magic of one very lucky black cat

If black cats are supposed to bring bad luck (a silly myth that still lingers), someone forgot to tell Licorice. This adorably squishy cat, bundled up in a velvet-soft black coat, overflows with good fortune — and he's happy to share it with anyone lucky enough to cross his path.

Licorice, who came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary from a shelter in Arizona, is paralyzed in all four legs. So he depends on his caregivers for help getting around. Best Friends supports shelters in reaching no-kill by taking in pets like Licorice who may need extra time and care before going to homes.

Although the cause of his paralysis remains a mystery, with a little extra support — and some creative thinking — he's soaking up snuggles, diving into new adventures, and living life to the fullest.

Because Licorice can’t get around on his own, he spends his days lounging on soft blankets or in a cozy cat tree until a caregiver takes him to his next activity — whether that’s a stroller ride through Cat World or a nap with volunteers.

Licorice stays comfy and adventure-ready with help from acupuncture and laser therapy, which soothe his muscles. The acupuncture even seems to be helping his mobility — caregivers have noticed a bit of movement in his back legs during sessions.

“We also have a vibrating plate that we put him on twice a day, which helps stimulate his muscles,” says caregiver Catey Patrolia.

All that care helps keep him feeling his best — and ready to explore the Sanctuary, which just might be his favorite part of the day. Caregivers make sure Licorice is always in on the action. They bring him to lunch at the Sanctuary’s Angel Village Café, all cozied up in a special kitty sling. They wheel him around in his favorite stroller. And they even share “cat TV” videos on their phones for his personal entertainment.

[Paralyzed cat gets moving again]

“He comes to staff meetings with us and loves going for walks where we just carry him in our arms and let him sniff the trees and watch birds,” says Catey. “Lately he has been going for rides on the golf cart with us too.”

On quieter days, he relaxes while overseeing caregivers in the supply room while they prep medications. It’s a calm little hangout he shares with a few feline friends — including his new bestie Indy, a sweet and sassy young cat. Licorice loves to perch on the desk and watch her explore the floor below. And when volunteers visit, he’s always the first to say hello — and he’ll happily stay snuggled in their laps and nap the afternoon away.

After winning over countless volunteers with his snuggly charm, Licorice recently went on his very first sleepover — a big adventure for a little cat who can’t get around on his own.

“His sleepover was amazing,” says Catey. “We had two very sweet volunteers who were so excited to take him. We explained that it would be his first one and how easy he is to care for, and they couldn’t wait to bring this sweet boy back to their hotel for the night.”

Licorice spent the evening cuddling, watching TV, and soaking up all the attention, complete with tiny nose licks and a purr that carries just a hint of magic.

[Paralyzed cat has sweet spirit that can’t be stopped]

It was just one more example of how easily Licorice finds a way into people's hearts (and arms). Around the Sanctuary, everyone agrees: Licorice isn’t just a good-luck charm — he’s the whole jackpot.

“I just love everything about him,” Catey says, laughing. “He has so much personality, he’s so easygoing, and he just loves to be a part of anything and everything.”

Whether he’s riding along in a cozy sling, snuggling into someone’s lap, or working the lunch crowd at the café, Licorice is living his best life — sharing his sweetness and sprinkling a little extra magic wherever he goes. And when the day comes that someone brings him home for good, well, they'll be the lucky one.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.