Is it true that it is dangerous to let cats out around Halloween? Are black cats in particular danger? Do shelters not adopt black cats around this time?

Yes.

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It’s not actively dangerous to let your cat out around Halloween. But it is a time when people will be milling around outside, carrying flashlights and talking to each other, many of them small children who are unpredictable. This can confuse the cat, make them want to hide until the commotion is over, and maybe even get frightened into a bad situation.

Are black cats in danger? If only from cars, but that is bad enough. Add extra dark to extra traffic, and it’s not a good idea for them to press their luck, or one of their nine lives.

Do shelters restrict adoptions at this time? Yes, but not for particularly nefarious reasons. People might want to decorate with a cat, and then lose interest after the holiday. Best that they reconsider their decision. Like baby bunnies at Easter, and puppies at Christmastime, holidays are not the time for a quick decision on a long commitment like adoption.

So have a good, spooky time at Halloween, but refrain from frightening the cat. Their appreciation of Halloween is somewhat different.

For more about urban myths about cats and Halloween, see this Snopes article.

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