The month of October is Black Cat Awareness Month. Black Cat Awareness Month was founded in 2013, which means that this year, marks the fifth year anniversary of Black Cat Awareness Month.
What Is Black Cat Awareness Month?
The aim of Black Cat Awareness Month, is to raise awareness about black cats. The idea is to change public perception of black cats. These animals can often be viewed upon as unlucky by people. One of the goals is to change that belief and show that black cats are not unlucky. To change the belief that these animals are unlucky, and to show that the belief they are unlucky, is just meaningless superstition.
The superstition about these animals is meaningless. But, the superstitious beliefs that some people have about black cats has resulted in black cats being the victim of abuse and also mistreatment. Black cats are often thought to be a target during October - particularly around Halloween time. Shelters urge those who have black cats to keep them indoors during this time; to prevent these animals from being abused or killed outside. Another precaution the shelters take, is by refusing to adopt out black cats during the Halloween season, in case the poor animal is mistreated.
Not all animal shelters will refuse to adopt out these cats. However, many animal shelters will refuse to adopt them out, in case something happens.
Why Are Black Cats Targeted?
These animals are sadly targeted for a number of reasons. The first reason they are targeted, is because some people wrongly think that black felines are ''bad luck''. It comes down to outdated superstition. Another reason that black felines are targeted, is that some religious people can view these animals as being associated with witchcraft. Which is also outdated, but still happens today. The final reason that black cats can be targeted; is because black felines can be seen as a Halloween decoration. This can result in the animals sadly being used and dumped after Halloween ends - which is one of the reasons why shelters refuse to adopt out black cats during October.
These reasons are why shelters will advise you to keep your black cat in on Halloween, or around the days leading up to Halloween.
How Black Cat Awareness Month Aims To Change Beliefs
Black Cat Awareness Month aims to change beliefs about the animals, by raising awareness about them. This includes raising awareness about what can and does befall these animals around Halloween. It also aims to stop the persecution and misuse of these animals.
Beside October, black cats are the least likely to be re-homed from shelters; compared to other cats. Some of these pets can be in shelters for months before they find their furever home. By changing perceptions about these pets, we can have more re-homed, rather than waiting in shelters.
Black cats, like all cats, deserve their own furever home. Let's change the misconceptions surrounding black cats and show the World that they are fabulous mini-panthers, not a symptom of bad luck!
Happy Black Cat Awareness Month!