‘Tis the season for spider webs, ghosts, sweets and, of course, black cats. That’s right, it’s time to talk about Halloween’s mascot, the house panther.
But it’s tough to be an icon. There are lots of rumors and superstitions surrounding black cats, so we’ve set out to clear up a few misconceptions.
Do black cats really have a lower adoption rate?
What do the numbers say? National studies have indicated black cats are harder to adopt out, and therefore euthanized more often.
A study published in 2020 in international peer-reviewed journal Animals—devoted to animals, zoology and the veterinary sciences—analyzed the outcomes for nearly 8,000 cats admitted to an urban public shelter in Kentucky over the course of two years. The study found that black cats had the highest rate of euthanasia, at 74.6%, and the lowest rate of adoption, at 10%, of any color cat. Conversely, white cats had the lowest chances of euthanasia. Brown and grey cats experienced “middling” chances.
But there are things shelters can do to encourage the adoption of black cats.
According to Coryn Julien, the communications director for Alley Cat Allies (ACA), if a rescue or other organization is keen to run a Halloween special on black cat adoption, that could mean finding the right homes for more “beautiful” black cats who need them.
ACA is a nonprofit that advocates for the humane treatment of cats globally.
“As a society, we are rightfully shaking free from the icy grip of the ‘black cats are bad luck’ myth. After all, black fur is a dominant gene, so black is a very common coat color in cats,” Julien says.
Should families keep black cats indoors on Halloween?
We’ve all heard rumors that black cats could be harmed on Halloween, but where did this myth come from? And is there any truth to it?
In 2007, National Geographic published an article thoroughly debunking the myth that black cats face heightened danger around Halloween. The article said that no confirmed
statistics, court cases or studies supported the idea that ritual cat sacrifices happen.
Black cats are in no more danger on Halloween than they are at any other time of the year, according to Alley Cat Allies. But that doesn’t mean you should let your cat roam the streets on the spookiest night of the year.
According to ACA, the true number one threat to cats regardless of color is being killed in animal shelters.
Want to help save shelter pets? Here are some local charitable events in the Delaware Valley
by Jillian Diamond
Oct. 7
17th Annual Mutt Strut—Philly PAWS
In this walking event for both dogs and people in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard, help Philly PAWS in their efforts to support homeless pets. Afterwards, guests can enjoy live music, local food trucks, meeting adoptable dogs and more. All proceeds will benefit Philly PAWS. phillypaws.org.
Oct. 8
Kegs for Cats—Morris Animal Refuge
What’s better than beer and kittens? How about complimentary beer and kittens? Guests age 21 and older will be able to enjoy beer and cider at this Philadelphia Brewing Co. event with the purchase of their tickets, as well as cuddle adoptable kittens and meet public figures such as children’s book author Lucy Noland and Steve Morrison of WMMR. Come for the kittens, stay for the raffles! All proceeds will go to Mac’s Fund to support the community cat program at Morris Animal Refuge. morrisanimalrefuge.org.
Oct. 14
Bark on the Boards Block Party—Brandywine Valley SPCA
This seaside event at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand will feature a dock diving competition for dogs, a pet costume contest in advance of Halloween, live music and, of course, adoptable pets from the Brandywine Valley SPCA. bvspca.org.
