“When black cats prowl, and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween”
When October rolls around, we think of Halloween. Halloween has always been a holiday filled with mystery, magic, and superstition. It began as a Celtic end-of-summer festival during which people felt especially close to deceased relatives and friends. For these friendly spirits, they set places at the dinner table, left treats on doorsteps and along the side of the road, and lit candles to help loved ones find their way back to the spirit world.
Today, when we think of Halloween, we think of witches, goblins, ghosts, and black cats. Superstitions around black cats have lasted over hundreds of years. These felines are often considered a symbol of witchcraft and have typically been looked at as a symbol of evil omens and as being familiars of witches. Because of these superstitions, many black cats are given up for adoption.
According to data gathered by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA):
“There are over 6.5 million animals that enter US shelters every year. Approximately 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. According to the Humane Society, black cats have it hard in shelters. Because of their color, they are often overlooked in favor of cats with more varied colors. Black cats can take longer to be adopted.”
Animal supporters warn against the dangers of black cat adoptions on October 31st. Some even advise animal welfare agencies against performing black cat adoptions the entire month of October. They fear they will become the victims of ritualistic abuse or sacrifice.”
International Black Cat Awareness Month
The month of October has been designated as the time to pay heed to black cats with the aim of giving a loving home to those in need.
The creation of International Black Cat Awareness Month came about after its creator, Layla Morgan Wilde, noticed that while there are two days dedicated to black cats in the world (one in the UK, one in the US), there wasn’t anything dedicated to them on an international level.
Superstitions surrounding black cats had gotten so out of control that shelters wouldn’t even adopt them out during October any longer. Too often the cats were being adopted as part of the Halloween holiday mystique and would later be abandoned (or worse) after the holiday passed. According to Ms. Wilde:
“Throughout the rest of the year, it can often be more difficult to get black cats to be adopted. How much more difficult? Black cats are adopted at a rate 50% lower than any other color of cat, which is very difficult for a cat lover of any sort to understand at all. A sable furred cat is perhaps one of the most beautiful animals to walk the earth!”
National Black Cat Day
An animal charity in the United Kingdom, Cats Protection, founded October 27th as National Black Cat Day to raise awareness concerning the lower rates of adoption for black cats. Don’t be superstitious on October 27th. This day is meant to celebrate the beauty of these sleek creatures.
Black cats have for too long endured cruelty and horrible misconceptions due to myths and superstitions. They are no different than any other cat. By adopting a black cat, you have the opportunity to help put an end to these misconceptions. Friends and family who may view black cats negatively will visit your home and see for themselves how wrong they have been in their attitude toward these beautiful and loving felines.
There is hope for these beautiful animals. In many cultures, black cats are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
- In Japan, black cats are considered lucky, especially for single women. It is believed a black cat will bring many good suitors her way.
- In England, giving a black cat to a woman on her wedding day brings a promise for a lucky marriage.
- Sailors have long believed that having a black cat on board a ship will ensure a afe journey. Families of sailors will often keep black cats at home as a good omen for their loved ones.
- Scotland has long a black cat suddenly appearing in your doorway is a sign of future prosperity.
- In France, black cats a sign of good luck and future prosperity.
- Many cultures believe if you dream about a black cat, it is a sure sign that good luck is coming.
As an organization, SDC believes in the importance of treating animals fairly and kindly. To that end, when employees of SDC participate in office football pools, etc., a portion of the winnings is donated to the Kendall County Animal Shelter located in Yorkville, Illinois.
SDC wishes everyone a healthy and Happy Halloween.