Black cats have been heavily victimized for years as being labeled “bad luck” or “creatures of black magic”. During the Halloween season, black cats and witches go hand-in-paw. Now, that we are only two days away from Halloween, the holiday with its roots stemming from pranks and hijacks, the concern for the safety of our black furry companions loom large as soon as jack-o-lanterns begin lighting the streets, our neighbors are seen digging out skeletons and fake tombstones from their attics, storage sheds and garages and children excitedly get ready for a night of sugary treats.
We are all happy to see everyone so excited around this particular holiday. No one wishes to take the fun out of Halloween. However, we have all seen and heard of the consequences brought on sometimes when people become caught up in the moment and are overly inspired by the horror flicks such as “The Legend of Hell House” [1973] where a black cat prowls outside the haunted Belasco House and when a paranormal investigator kills the seemingly devil-possessed black cat, or so she thought, the black feline reappears to seek revenge.
Perhaps one is not swayed by the ample horror films portraying black cats as evil, but just need a black cat to complete the final touches to their Halloween costume masterpiece. That is all well and good, but unlike dogs who are easily trainable and will gleefully go along with whatever their owners want, cats have a far different view on things. As anyone who has ever been owned by a cat will tell you, a black cat, just like any other cat, will do what it darn well feels like doing and if she does not wish to participate in your Halloween festivities by being a sidekick to your costume masterpiece, then so be it. And what should happen if the black kitty’s wishes are not well-received? Someone who is hell-bent on winning first place in that Halloween costume contest and impressing his date whom he spent weeks working on the nerve to ask out, may not take too kindly to that black kitty’s refusal to play along with his plan.
There are any number of reasons why we should be extra cautious with our black furry companions around this time of year. So, please take care to protect your beloved black beauties and keep them inside during the Halloween season and keep a look out in your neighborhood for any suspicious or unsafe activity or Halloween-related animal abuse. Let’s all do our part to keep our four-legged friends safe, happy and healthy during the holiday season.
Well said Stephanie.
It shocks me how people in this day and age can still be so superstitious and cruel even in the holiday spirit.
I read recently a spike in crimes against black cats as Halloween approaches and this can only be stamped out via a collective zero tolerance effort together with harsh penalties.
Poor kitties, they’re just being themselves and when anyone mistreats them, they have no idea why!
Thank you so much for commenting on this article and yes, you are so right. It can only be stamped out via a collective zero tolerance effort together with harsh penalties. As you said, the black cats do not understand why they are being treated so cruelly around the holidays. They just want to be loved and cuddled like any other cat or pet during the holidays.
I have to be honest, I didn’t really realize this was a thing and as an owner of my own black cat (inky) it’s a bit alarming. My cat often is outside and wonders around the neighborhood. With Halloween being right around the corner I think I’ll go ahead and keep him inside for a few days just to stay on the safe side. Thanks for the heads up.
Hi Jeremy:
Your black cat Inky sounds really precious and I am delighted to hear that my article has given you the good insight to keep her safe by making sure she stays inside during Halloween. I would hate to hear about another black cat being “sacrificed” on Halloween night. Thank you for stopping today and reading my article.
Sincerely,
Stephanie
Thank you for putting this article out there, Stephanie. Superstition belongs back in the middle ages. I salute all cats, not only the black ones. They are an example of what we should be like more, not just do what others want and expect us to do , but to be our own man/woman.
Loved your saying ” As Anyone Who Has Been Ever Owned By A Cat Will Tell You.” 🙂
Hi Roy. Thank you so much for the kind words. And yes, you are absolutely correct, superstition does indeed belong in the middle ages. I too salute all cats. Glad to have met you and I hope to see you back here soon.
Sincerely,
Stephanie
Crazy how people are still so superstitious over things like a black cat. I don’t get it. I really didn’t think about Halloween and black cats. I can see where there could be abuse though, and why can people be so cruel and mean is beyond me! Have you heard of instances where black cats have been abused during Halloween? I know we have a stray black cat in our neighborhood, I often see it in my yard. Not really sure who it belongs to, but I set out food for the poor guy as he/she looks so skinny. I don’t understand the abuse of any animal actually. I have two rescue pets 🙂
Hi there…..I am so glad you have taken it upon yourself to help the poor stray black kitty cat you see coming in your yard. Perhaps you will soon get a new family member and your children will soon have a forever friend by their side. Thank you so much for taking the time to stop and read. Have a great holiday season and stay in touch!
You know, I’ve always liked black cats since I was young but I always felt guilty because of the stereotype that associates them with bad luck, witches, etc. I’m not a huge fan of Halloween either. I hate tricks and pranks, lol, and I hate the cruel thing people do to cats. I grew up hearing them being tortured by dog fighters. It’s a horrifying sound. I hope that your article reaches out to others and helps find some respect for these beautiful animals. Tfs, good read 🙂
Hi Marlinda:
Great meeting you and many thanks for stopping by to read my article about black cats and Halloween. You are so right about people torturing black cats such as dog fighters and other horrifying groups of people. Have a great rest of the year and hope to see you again real soon on my website.
Sincerely,
Stephanie