There are urban legends, myths, and horror stories about the fate of black cats at Halloween. It’s commonly believed that black cats are unsafe this time of year because people with bad intentions target them for abuse and worse. The story is that there are legions of devil worshippers or animal abusers out there looking for black cats to sacrifice or torture. Some shelters even cease adoptions of black cats in October.

While some may choose to believe the horror stories, multiple studies have shown that black cats are in no greater danger in October or at Halloween than at any other time of the year. Experts on Halloween and cults have found no statistics, court cases, or studies to support the idea that serious satanic cult crime even exists. But myths die hard.

The hissing, hair-standing-up, evil-eyed image of a black cat at Halloween likely isn’t helping their reputation as bad-luck cats. Being the preferred pet of witches and vampires is another strike against black cats. Despite this, we trust that most people won’t let these stereotypes get in the way of knowing and loving a cat. 

In most shelters, black cats are the last to be adopted, so taking them off the adoption roles for up to a month or more before Halloween makes no sense. Nationwide shelter statistics show that black cats have higher euthanasia rates and lower adoption rates than other colors. At Second Chance, we always have several black cats and kittens who have been overlooked in favor of flashier felines. We have a waiting list for white kittens, while their dark-furred littermates wait to be noticed.

Why are black cats adopted less often? Some anecdotal accounts say that people see black cats as more aggressive, less friendly, and less loving than other cats. Some claim black cats are mysterious due to their facial expressions being harder to read.

October 27 is Black Cat Appreciation Day. The best reason to adopt a black cat is that they are just like every other cat. Some are sweet, some are sassy. Some are lap cats, some are playful, and some like to sit and observe. Like other colors of cats, each black cat has a unique personality and temperament, and they deserve a chance to be cared for and loved.

Eli, Ellie, and Panther are examples of black cats who have been overlooked. They came in as kittens and are now 8 months old. Ellie is an affectionate lap cat who will climb on your back and sit on your shoulders. Eli is her brother and loves attention and pets. Panther is very playful and loves treats. Their siblings were all different colors (tabbies, tuxedos, etc) and have been adopted, and these three “plain black cats” are still waiting.

For thirty years, the Animal Resource Center and Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been serving Ouray, San Miguel, and Montrose Counties. Our adoption hours are from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can view our shelter pets and services online at www.secondchancehumane.org.