Keeping Black Cats Safe Around Halloween

As Halloween approaches, decorations go up, costumes come out, and the air gets a little more magical…but our feline friends (especially black cats) can face some real-world risks around the spooky season. While black cats may be symbols of mystery and good luck in some cultures, black cats have long been surrounded by myths and superstitions that can put them in danger this time of year.

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The Myth

For many centuries, black cats have appeared throughout history as symbols linked to folklore or witchcraft. Some even thought black cats to be capable of shape-shifting. While these mysteries have been thoroughly debunked, these old stories resurface around this time each year and black cats have become a popular Halloween symbol, appearing in many Halloween movies or even seasonal decor.

The Truth

Black cats are just as sweet, special, and loving as cats of any other color! While we do believe that the bond between us and cats is magical, there’s nothing sinister or witchy about it. However, research shows that cats (especially black cats) are at increased risk of injury or cruelty around this time of year, and some shelters or rescues will even pause adoptions of black cats around September-October to prevent people from adopting pets because it’s “trendy” at the time. Similar to how many pet bunnies wind up in the shelter in the months following Easter, many black cats are returned in the months following Halloween by people who wanted a pet to match their spooky home aesthetic but weren’t prepared for the responsibility of owning a pet. Additionally, animal control often receives a seasonal spike in lost cat calls around late October.

How to Keep Your Black Cat Safe

Keep your pet indoors during the weeks leading up to Halloween (and ideally, always!) to prevent them from being subject to any cruel pranks or being picked up by strangers. In addition to these risks, many cats can become confused, frightened, or startled by the foot traffic and crazy costumes on Halloween. Create a calm space on Halloween night away from the front door so your pet doesn’t try to bolt when the trick or treaters arrive. The endless doorbell rings, kids in costumes, and flashing decorations can really stress our pets out. This is also a great time of year to ensure that your pet’s ID tags and microchip information is up to date just in case they slip out.

Supporting Black Cats All Year-Round

Black cats are often overlooked in shelters because they don’t photograph as well as lighter-colored cats. According to the ASPCA, black cats make up about ⅓ of all cats entering shelters despite their adoption rates being 20% lower than lighter-colored cats. If you are considering adding a new feline friend to your family, your new best friend might just be a black cat! If you are already the proud owner of a beautiful black cat, sharing positive stories, photos, and videos can help change the narrative by celebrating how wonderful these kitties truly are.

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