Why Are Black Cats Associated with Halloween?

During the month of October, as people start getting ready for Halloween, you may notice a bunch of haunted houses, witch hats, and spooky Halloween black cat decorations going up. You’re wondering: How did black cats come to be associated with Halloween? Why is that synonymous with the superstition that they are bad luck?

After all, as a cat lover, you think these kitties are cute.

Learn about the history of why black cat Halloween symbols are so prominent this time of year, and what you can do during Halloween night to help these wonderful felines.

The History of Black Cats and Halloween

Cats were worshipped long before the black cat became demonized. In ancient Egypt, cats were demi-deities and would protect crops and kill rodents – which would stop the spread of disease. The Egyptians believed that cats were the physical form of their goddess, Bastet.

However, the Europeans didn’t feel the same about cats, and in particular black cats. Around 2,000 years ago, Celtic tribes in Ireland believed that anyone who messed around with dark magic – aka witches – would be transformed into cats. They thought that witches would turn into black cats, or that black cats were their “familiars,” these demon guides that Satan gave to them. Plus, on October 31 every year, the Druids sacrificed black cats to the Lord of the Dead.

When the bubonic plague devastated Europe in the Middle Ages, and the cats ate the infected rats, societies believed that the plague originated with the witches and cats. There is a story that Pope Gregory IX and the Europeans wiped out these cats, but it’s been hard to prove, and may just be a black cat myth.

One thing is true: When the Puritan pilgrims came to the U.S. and held the witch hunts and Salem witch trials, black cats were burned at the stake alongside these women. This time in Puritan history was also a tragic time in American history.

Black cats have appeared alongside witches in “Hocus Pocus” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” among countless other TV shows and films. In some movies and shows, cats are portrayed positively, and in others, they are viewed as a bad omen. 

Over time, as you can see, cats became a symbol of Halloween – and it didn’t result in positive associations during the holiday. Another thing to note is that these creatures have nocturnal habits and are dark. Halloween is associated with the color black and nighttime, making it an easy connection. 

Are Black Cats Harmed During Halloween? 

Since black cats were harmed earlier on in history, there are stories that go around every Halloween that discuss black cats’ treatment this time of year. There are tales about cats being used for satanic rituals, abandoned, or abused. According to Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies, that’s another black cat myth.

“It’s just an old fear that black cats are going to be adopted by people with bad intentions,” she told USA Today.

However, there is one thing that’s true. Each year, according to Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, cats die more at shelters than other pets. Of the 920,000 shelter animals that are euthanized every year, about 530,000 of them are cats.

One thing that animal shelters do during this time of year is use black cats in marketing materials to encourage people to adopt them.

Being Mindful of Black Cats on Halloween 

If you love cats, and black cats, in particular, there are ways you can protect them on Halloween. 

When driving around, make sure you stay on the lookout for black cats. Obviously, since there are trick-or-treaters out anyway, you should be driving slow. But watch out for black cats or any cats darting across the street to avoid hitting them.

You should also encourage your friends and family to adopt cats during Halloween and year-round; they are in desperate need of homes. You could dress up in a cute black cat Halloween costume to raise awareness and donate to your local animal shelter in October as well.

Protecting Your Cat on Halloween

Whether or not you have a black cat, there are steps you should take to safeguard your feline friend on Halloween.

1. Get your cat microchipped

First, have a veterinarian put a microchip in her so that if she escapes, it’s easier to find her. If she is not microchipped, she may not get returned to you. Keep your front door closed during a Halloween party or when handing out candy and make it inaccessible to your cat when you do have to open it.

2. Be mindful of hazardous decorations

Be mindful of your home decor choices. When it comes to your Halloween decorations, make sure your cat can’t get to your fake spider webs. She could ingest them and get sick. Don’t leave lit candles inside your carved-up jack-o-lantern either, because she could accidentally knock it over. She could also get sick if she tries to eat your Halloween pumpkin. Put it somewhere out of reach, like on your patio.

3. Give them a safe space

If your cat is scared of people, put her in a separate room when kids are trick-or-treating and come to your door. She may be scared of the loud noises and dart around your house, hide somewhere, or, worse, escape and get lost outside. You can prevent this by keeping her locked away in her own space with a comfortable bed. A Calming Donut Shag Cat & Dog Bed by Best Friends By Sheri is a good option for anxious kitties.

This calming bed is made with vegan faux shag fur and supports joints because it has a donut shape. It also has a raised rim to create a sense of security and offer neck and head support. Your black cat will be nice and cozy on Halloween, and all year round. 

You can also keep your cat occupied with a cat toy she will love, like the Straw-Babies Dental Catnip Toy. The catnip will drive your cat wild and multiple textures will floss your cat’s teeth and improve her dental health.

Halloween and Black Cats

Black cats have a long history of being associated with Halloween. But you know that the black cat myths aren’t true. If you love these animals, then make sure you advocate for them and protect your own cat during the holiday. Then, you’ll be able to enjoy it – and your cat will too.

Happy Halloween!