Black cat kept landing back in shelter before revealing secret talent that changed everything 

Most house cats chase toys or nap in sunbeams — Cole reads tarot cards. Once overlooked in a shelter, this black cat has become an unlikely internet sensation, thanks to a mysterious talent his owner, Emily Cook, discovered one day.

Familiar energy 

In witchcraft lore, a familiar is a magical animal companion that helps a witch channel intuition and energy. For Emily and Cole, that old tale has a bit of a modern twist. “I am very interested in tarot and astrology, so I had a deck of cards out — a traditional Rider–Waite deck — and I kept it in a cup holder on my couch,” Cook told People. “[Cole] just decided one day to go in there, and he started grabbing the cards, you know, almost like a litter box shuffle. Then he would grab whatever ones he picked in his little cat mouth and drop [the cards] on the carpet with his teeth. And I was like, ‘What the heck?’”

A tarot natural 

Curious, Cook began giving Cole treats every time he picked a card. The positive reinforcement worked as he began doing readings on the regular. “There are times that I don’t wanna play 78 card pickup,” Cook explained. “But overall, it is super cool, and it’s kind of freaky how accurate he gets sometimes.” Each tarot card holds layers of meaning, often tapping into the reader’s inner thoughts. That’s part of why Cook felt compelled to share Cole’s gift. “I just really wanted to share what he did without trying to make it about [divination] like, Miss Cleo.”

Shelter struggles 

Before becoming a feline tarot star, Cole had a rocky start. He was adopted and returned twice before even turning six months old. When Cook found him, he was sick and isolated at the Humane Society. Cook had just moved into a new home with her son after a divorce and was looking for another addition to their family. Despite Cole’s fearful personality, something clicked.

Cat’s schedule

Years later, Cole is still shy around strangers. “He’s terrified of people,” Cook said — something that contrasts with his viral fame. “They are soul protectors, [cats are] soul family,” she said. “I’m just so blessed that he’s here, and I couldn’t be happier with my little buddy.” Although Cole’s readings often feel uncannily accurate, Cook doesn’t force him to perform. “People thinking that I can schedule an appointment with a cat is kinda crazy because he wants to do what he wants to do,” she explained. In the meantime, she maintains a waitlist and offers readings only when Cole is in the mood. Donations are accepted in place of fees, keeping things organic — and magical.

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