Now that it's fall, black cats are popping up everywhere; in Halloween décor, costumes, and TV specials. Sadly, actual black cats are often second-class citizens of the feline world. Did you know black cats are the least likely to get adopted in shelters across the country, according to the ASPCA? That's why the month of October is Black Cat Awareness Month, celebrated by rescues and shelters across the country.

To do our part we're publishing four blog posts debunking several common misconceptions about black cats, separating fact from fiction. Stay tuned for the next three installments later this month!

*Darcy enjoying some lap time with volunteer, Shelly.*

MYTH #1: BLACK CATS ARE BAD LUCK

Probably the most widely-held superstition, many people believe having a black cat can bring them bad luck. Some people think even seeing a black cat is bad luck. This simply isn’t true, and yet, a survey by the Huffington Post found that shockingly a whopping 13% of Americans are superstitious about a black cat crossing their path.

This myth is believed to have started sometime in the 17th century, when black cats were associated with witchcraft, and hysteria around women thought to be witches lead to events such as the Salem Witch Trials. Since civilization has evolved past superstition toward witches, shouldn't it also evolve around black cats?

*Cat Town alum, Clifford, just before heading to his new home.*

Interestingly, in some countries, such as Japan and Ireland, it’s believed black cats are good luck! Whether you believe in luck or not, at Cat Town, we know one thing for sure - black cats make great companions and we've never known one to bring misfortune on any humans.

See our current black cats up for adoption below, and email info@cattownoakland.org to inquire about adopting!