Some people associate black cats with Halloween, witches, and bad luck. The bad luck reputation is a problem when talking about adoptions.
Oct 27th was National Black Cat Day which tries to dispel some of the myths.
Here are five things everyone should know about black cats:
1) In some cultures, black cats are good luck
In the United States, many people believe black cats bring bad luck or are altogether evil. But it’s not a belief shared across all cultures.
In Britain, Japan and Ireland, a black cat crossing your path is considered a sign of good luck.
And in ancient Egypt, cats were considered an embodiment of the gods and worshiped. In fact, the cat goddess Bastet was part black cat and part woman, illustrating just how much black cats meant to that society.
2) Black cats have a tougher time finding good homes
Many animal shelters struggle to find good homes for black cats. They are often overlooked due to old superstitions and stigmas.
3) Halloween can be a dangerous time for black cats
Because so many people associate black cats with evil, they’re often harmed. Keeping all cats indoors on Halloween is a good idea, but especially for black cats. There is concern by some rescue organizations about abductions, injuries and deaths associated with trick or treat pranks or animal sacrifices.
4) Some shelters won’t adopt out black cats in October
Some shelters used to hold promotions on Halloween, where fees were waved for people who adopted black cats. But due to concerns about mistreatment and abuse, many shelters have stopped this practice. Other shelters don’t allow any black cat adoptions in the month of October.
5) There are more black cats than any other color
Black cats are everywhere. In fact, there are more black cats than any other color, according to the ASPCA. That’s because the genes that cause black coloration in cats are the most dominant.
“The fact remains that there are more black cats and dogs in need of homes, and they often benefit from additional promotion and attention in shelters across the country due to their sheer numbers in comparison to animals with different kinds of coats,” reported an ASPCA spokeswoman.
Around Halloween time, remember that black cats deserve as much love and attention as their other-colored furry friends.