With their mysterious personalities, black cats can slip into a room like a shadow. Throughout the centuries, many cultures have regarded these gorgeous creatures as objects of superstition and even companions of witches. However, we know that’s just a bunch of hocus pocus. Still, there are persistent rumors that black cats are targeted or captured more frequently around Halloween. Is there any truth to this claim? The reality is that no conclusive evidence supports the idea that black cats face increased danger or mistreatment specifically during Halloween compared to any other time.
Why Black Cats Are Always in Danger
We may think we live in an age of reason, but statistics show that black cats are the least likely to be adopted in public shelters.1 Black and white solid color and gray tabby patterned cats are some of the most common felines, so you might think that would explain the high shelter euthanasia rate. However, even though white cats are almost as popular, they seem to be the most likely to be adopted and least likely to be euthanized, which shows what is called by some the ‘black cat bias.’
Researchers haven’t definitively identified the reasons behind this bias. Some suggest lingering superstitions, while others point to the fact that black cats may be harder to photograph or that their facial expressions and emotions are more difficult to read.
Black cats have been reviled at least since the Middle Ages, when Europeans thought they were responsible for spreading the Bubonic Plague. Ironically, by killing these cats, people may have worsened the spread of the plague, since the real culprits, the rats (and their fleas), were left unchecked.
But not all cultures view black cats as unlucky. In Japanese folklore, for instance, crossing paths with a black cat is considered a sign of good fortune, especially for single women seeking love. In Scottish lore, a black cat appearing on your doorstep is also a sign of prosperity.
So, Are Black Cats Really In Danger on Halloween?
Tales of cat sacrifice and mutilations abound near Halloween, but this is not the case. Rather, we might be more aware of crimes against black cats during Halloween since the holiday tends to steer our focus towards these “spooky” felines. The rumors and reports also have varying factors that make the suggested link look more like a witch hunt rather than a situation with a clear cause and effect. For example, people claim various cults and Satanist groups are responsible for the violence, but there’s no evidence that cults are involved. In fact, some have argued that troubled youth are more likely to be the culprits.
From what we can tell, it appears that black cats seem to be at a higher risk of human cruelty and bias than cats of other colors. This risk doesn’t necessarily center around Halloween, although it’s an added danger.
From what we can tell, it appears that black cats seem to be less likely to be adopted than cats of other colors. But this trend doesn’t necessarily center around Halloween. While some sources note that certain shelters suspend black cat adoptions around October 31st as a precaution, this practice may unintentionally reinforce myths rather than prevent harm. In reality, anyone with harmful intentions is unlikely to go through the formal adoption process, which typically involves fees and screening.
In Conclusion
Despite their large population, black cats have the lowest adoption rates. Human biases toward black cats expose these sweet creatures to higher rates of euthanasia. While there’s no conclusive evidence that violence toward black cats increases on Halloween—or that any such incidents are tied to occult activity—there are occasional reports of cats being stolen or harmed around this time.
If you have cats of any color, it’s safest to keep them indoors during Halloween festivities. Even trick-or-treating can be a scary experience for our shy feline friends, so they shouldn’t be outside. On a brighter note, October 27th is National Black Cat Day, the perfect time to give one of these misunderstood sweethearts a loving home and celebrate a safe, spooky season with the ones you already have.
Featured Image Credit: Reba Spike, Unsplash
