To some people, black cats have become synonymous with witches, evil, and Halloween. But these old superstitions have had a negative impact on the adoption of black cats in our modern times. In this edition of Pet Pointers, Lisa Chelenza dispels these negative notions and talks about how shelters handle Halloween.

Throughout history in just about every culture, cats have been at the center of folklore and superstition, with black cats specifically singled out as omens of doom. Now, hundreds of years, later there are still people who fear black cats.

But black cats have also been thought to be good luck depending on which part of the world you are from. In Asia and the U.K., a black cat is considered lucky or a symbol of fertility, and according to Scottish folklore, a strange black cat on a porch brings prosperity to the home owner.

Statistically cats and dogs with darker coats are less likely to be adopted so some shelters and animal rescue groups promote the adoption of Black cats during the summer and winter months, avoiding the Halloween season, fearing that the animals will be adopted as a novelty or end up abused.

When adopting any pet you will likely have to fill out an adoption application and provide references. Some shelters will even ask for a home visit and may want to talk to your vet about your pet parenting style to be sure you are the right forever home for the animal.

While many people do have good intentions, as a precaution, many shelters will not adopt out black cats around Halloween, but will place adopters on a waiting list.