Seven years of bad luck… that’s what you get when you let a black cat cross your path. This common yet ridiculous superstition has somehow persisted since the medieval period. During the fall season, you may hear that phrase now more than ever. But it’s not just a harmless quote that’s easily ignored; the stigma around black cats has led to them being viewed in a negative light, leading to higher rates of euthanasia, abandonment, and abuse.Â
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, or AAHA, the “black cat bias” is an occurrence that leads to cats with dark coats being seen as less desirable.
The AAHA describes Robert Carini’s study on black cat adoption rates, noting that even during “spooky season,” black cats are seen as malevolent by many people because of historical or cultural stereotypes. Similarly, the National Institutes of Health conducted research that concluded that, due to stereotypes, black cats are adopted less and euthanized more.
Many organizations and professionals deny that black cats face greater abuse, especially around Halloween. However, as a safety precaution, many shelters pause adoptions during October to prevent any unfortunate behavior towards the cats.Â
The trend of lower adoption rates for black cats can be attributed to the aforementioned reasons. However, others believe it’s because of poor lighting in shelters, the fact that darker coats are difficult to photograph, and that there are simply more black cats than any other color. While these may be valid reasons, it’s important to note that unbalanced adoption patterns still stand.Â
So, during this fall season, consider adopting a black cat or encouraging someone you know who has been considering it!
These cats are shown to be just as affectionate and loving as their lighter counterparts, despite what some ancient superstitions may say.Â
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