It’s almost Halloween, and black cats have always been associated with this spooky time of year. Ancient folklore depicts black cats as the familiars of witches, or even shape-shifting demons!
My family and I have a black cat, and we associate him with a cuddly bed, but I digress.
Black cats are considered unlucky and as the harbingers of misfortune in some cultures. In some magic circles, black cats are used in spells! Around Halloween, some people use black cats in rituals or as living decorations only to be tossed out when the holiday is over. How awful!
So when the time of Halloween comes around, it’s important to keep black cats safe from harm!
Dangers For Black Cats On Halloween
I’m not suggesting there’s definitely a satanic cult in your neighborhood, but there is always mischief afoot on Halloween, whether it’s young people, drunk people, or young drunk people.
Some revelers might even want a black cat as prop for their costume or party. Get the word out: Cats are not decorations!
Keep your black cat inside, not just on the 31st, but also in the days leading up to Halloween.
If you’re adopting out cats as a rescuer or shelter worker, be extra cautious with who’s interested in acquiring an all-black cat in the month of October. Some people adopt cats as living Halloween decorations or part of a costume and then abandon them on November 1st. It’s absolutely horrible, but it happens.
Be aware of any strangers in your neighborhood trying to get close to black cats — or any cats for that matter. If you think something suspicious is going on, contact your local police or animal shelter and notify neighbors on apps like Nextdoor.
Animal cruelty is a crime, so when you see something, say something.
Keep Them Indoors Away From Trick-Or-Treaters
I stand out front of my home on Halloween to give out treats. My cats don’t like the sound of the doorbell. It’s too much!
That’s a tip for all cats and their humans. It’s always better to take a chair and your iPod and just have a little party on your own front porch or stoop to reduce stress on your kitties while they stay in a safe, secure room in your home.
Also, cats usually don’t want to wear costumes. Maybe dogs like it, but the cats I know do not. Never force a cat — or any animal — to wear a costume.
If you do get your cat to wear a costume, take your pics and remove the costume ASAP. Never leave an animal unattended in a costume. They can injure themselves and even get killed because of costumes that constrict.
Black cats sometimes have trouble getting adopted from shelters. It’s called Black Cat Syndrome and it’s a real thing. If you, good person, are looking for a new cat to adopt and bring into your home, please consider a black cat. That would be the best way to keep them safe all year round.
Some shelters limit adoption of black cats around Halloween to keep them safe, but come November, they’ll be happy to hear from you.
Our black cat has been nothing but good luck for us. May your cat, regardless of color, be a lucky charm for you year round as well.
Do you have a black cat at home? How do you keep them safe around Halloween? Let us know in the comments below!
