Black Cats & Halloween Superstitions

Depending on where you are in the world, black cats can be considered bad luck or good luck. Growing up in California, superstitions have influenced us to believe that a black cat crossing your path was a sign of bad luck. This belief doesn't strictly apply to California. Movies and television shows portray these ebony colored felines as creatures of the night, pairing them with halloween, witchcraft, demons and the list goes on to associating them with being symbols of evil. 

Yup, pretty scary.

Halloween decor is not complete until you have the traditional arched-backed, hissing black cat on your lawn.  While doing a quick Google search on “Halloween black cat décor,” it yielded a result from the Oriental Trading Company with the items' decription: “Send chills down your guest's spine with spooktacular black cat decor.”

To that I say, What a Shame.
We have a black cat and he is far from spooky. The scariest thing he’s ever done is yawn and stretch to make his back arch and tail curl. Yes, he does look almost identical to a Halloween décor, but without the scary eyes and creepy demeanor. In fact, Enzo is the most loving and cuddly little bugger we’ve ever met. And if it were true that bad luck will strike a person once a black cat crosses their path, then we must have gotten our immunization early.

Enzo ready to play

The sad thing is that people judge black cats based solely on silly superstitions. This has caused black cats to be ranked with the lowest adoption rate paired with the highest euthanasia rate. If you’ve ever visited a shelter or browsed online, you will find that they have a shocking number of black cats in their possession.  These cats have a hard time finding a home because of one thing- the color of their fur.

Is it fair? Not at all. EVERY animal should have a chance at a forever family. How do people know that a black cat isn’t right for them if they didn’t even take the time to notice them?

Be afraid!

I’m going to be honest with you, it wasn’t my dream to adopt a black cat. I envisioned bringing home an orange tabby. We met a couple of orange tabbies as well as a few different colored cats at the shelter. Their personalities weren’t quite what our family was looking for. I was hesitant about meeting a black cat, but once I got to meet him, I knew he was the one I wanted to take home.

Here are some great reasons to adopt a Black Cat (courtesy of It's About the Cats, Inc.)

10. You can always find your black cat in the snow. OK, no snow in Florida ... but you can find them easily on any light colored surface such your carpet or your floral bedspread.

9.  Black goes with everything. It's true. You know it. We know it. You've got your black power suit on, your white cat jumps on your lap, it's all over. But if your black cat wants a little love and affection, no harm done --your look is only enhanced!

8. Black cats look like little panthers. Their regal breeding is very apparent under their sleek black coats. 

So true...

7. A black cat will match any décor. You won't have to redecorate your house to coordinate with your cat. They are totally willing to pose on gold velvet, white velvet, pink velvet, or your sofa cushion - to add taste and beauty to any room of your home. They'll perch on the brocade chair; sleep on the rug; curl in the middle of the bed. You name it, they're willing to go to great lengths to help you make your home beautiful. They’re that kind of cat.

6.  Black is beautiful. There's the deep, auburn shaded black, the blue black, the black with tiny white highlights here and there, the sleek black, the fluffy black, the black with bunny-soft fur, the black with yellow eyes, the black with green eyes, the black with grey eyes ... well, you get the picture. Black is not just black; there are as many different kinds of black cats as there are cats!

5. Bad Luck, Schmuck! When you love a black cat, luck is on your side!  

A black cat crossing your path signifies

that the animal is going somewhere.
- Groucho Marx 

4. Black cats have more fun. You only thought blondes had more fun. Black cats are fun-loving, playful, full of spark and energy. They try harder to make up for the image they somehow got as dull and dreary. They're like the sun streaming in a window on a rainy day;  like the circus coming to town; they're just plain fantastic.

3. Black cats are loving. Look, they know their reputation -- scary. They've seen the illustrations -- skinny cats with nasty long teeth. And they're nothing like that. They go overboard to be as affectionate and loving as any fluffy white, pink-nosed bunny kitty could be, and you get all the other benefits too.

2. Love knows no color! Your cat doesn't care what color YOUR hair is!

And the # 1 reason to adopt a black cat is that Black Cats are the least likely to get adopted!

How could you possibly resist?

One last note, Peninsula Humane Society in San Mateo, is currently having a special adoption rate for black & orange cats in honor of the San Francisco Giants! Until October 31st, you can adopt an orange or black cat for $9!! GO GIANTS!!!