October isn’t just a time for Halloween celebrations. It’s also Black Cat Awareness Month, a time to dispel myths and misconceptions that prevent black cats from finding forever homes.
Black cats have never had it easy. In some cultures — and for many individuals — they represent bad luck or misfortune. In fact, like black dogs, they’re often overlooked at shelters and rescues in favor of lighter colored, “more photogenic” types.
Perhaps most disturbingly, black cats are also sometimes targeted around Halloween for teasing and abuse — or worse.
This Halloween, keep your cat inside. In addition, we advise keeping them confined to a single room or area of the house. Outlandish costumes or even just a pointy witch’s hat or scary goblin mask could send your cat fleeing through an open door. So don’t risk your animals’ safety or their life.
And for Black Cat Awareness Month, try spreading some positive myths and facts about black cats so they can have a better chance of getting adopted!
Positive Black Cat Myths, Legends, & Facts
Ignore the warnings about black cats crossing your path and enjoy the positive myths, legends, and straight-up facts we at CatTime are happy to expose and perpetuate:
- Scottish lore maintains that a black cat’s appearance at your home leads to great wealth.
- In ancient Egypt, black cats were so revered that killing one was deemed a capital offense.
- In England, giving a black cat to a bride is thought to bring her good luck.
- To fishermen, black cats ensure a safe journey home.
- The Bombay cat — the blackest of the black cats — was developed in Louisville, Kentucky in the late 50s. The goal was to make a cat that looked like a mini panther, but these kitties are some of the most loving and affectionate you can hope for. They’re even known for their distinct, loud purrs!
We’d like to wish you and all your furry friends a happy, safe Halloween!
Do you know any other positive myths about black cats? Do you have a loving black cat at home? Then let us know in the comments below!
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