Why You Should Adopt a Black Cat This Halloween
It’s common for local animal shelters to offer cat adoption discounts—especially around holidays like Halloween. But are pet promotions always a good idea?
Yes, says Becky Robinson, president and CEO of Alley Cat Allies, an animal advocacy group based in Bethesda, Maryland.
“Alley Cat Allies advocates for all cats, and for the relentless marketing of cats throughout the year, including seasonal promotions,” Robinson says. The group has participated in and supported a variety of adoption events for cats waiting for a forever home.
So with Halloween just around the corner, now could be a great time to welcome a sleek, onyx-colored kitty into your home.
Black Cats Are Plentiful in Shelters
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates 3.2 million cats are waiting for their forever homes in shelters across the United States. And black cats come into its community partner shelters more than any other color cat, according to a blog post written by Emily Weiss, Ph.D., of the ASPCA.
One of Alley Cat Allies’ missions—alongside advocating for black cat adoption—is to protect and improve the lives of all cats by partnering with shelters to implement low-cost programs, including spay and neuter initiatives and Trap-Neuter-Return.
“The majority of cats who enter shelters are killed,” Robinson says. “Specifically, for un-owned and un-socialized community cats, virtually 100 percent are killed in shelters. So the best way to protect these cats is to keep them out of shelters to begin with.”
Help Debunk Myths About Black Cats
Potential adopters may overlook darker-colored cats due to misinformation or lingering superstitions about black cats.
Some holidays have been created to increase awareness—like Black Cat Appreciation Day, celebrated each August 17. Many shelters also use the Halloween season to promote black cat adoption as a way to challenge outdated myths.
In fact, prejudice against black cats may itself be a myth. As the ASPCA’s Dr. Weiss points out in her blog, black cats are more often euthanized in shelters not because people don’t want them—but simply because there are more black cats entering shelters than cats of other colors.
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how black cat superstitions began, but organizations like the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, and Alley Cat Allies agree: black cats deserve adoption as much as any other cat.
“Some people continue to be superstitious about black cats, and wrongly feel that they are unlucky and dangerous,” Robinson says.
But the truth, she says, is that black cats—and all cats—are most at risk when they enter shelters.
Black Cats Deserve a Good Home
Standard adoption procedures protect all cats year-round—so rest assured your black cat adoption process will go smoothly, even during Halloween, as long as you and your chosen feline are a good match.
Potential adopters typically complete a detailed application and interview. You’ll likely get to visit and spend time with your potential feline companion to assess personalities and compatibility.
“Every cat is an individual and has his or her own personality,” Robinson says. “Don’t let the cat’s color keep you from caring for the cat.”
Animal advocates stress that cats in shelters—including black cats available through FurPetVo—need loving homes any time of year. So if you’re feeling inspired to welcome a new feline friend, consider making this Halloween extra meaningful by adopting an elegant ebony-colored kitty.
For more information on transforming shelters to save more cats, visit furpetvo.com.
