Black cats: A symbol of Halloween and more

Trish Lynn and Thom Donitz portrait and friends

JOLT staff photo

This time of year, black cats can be seen everywhere, especially in decorations and costumes. October 27 is even “Black Cat Day” in The United Kingdom while, August 17th was “Black Cat Appreciation Day” in the United States. (Mark this on your calendar.) 

A black cat is a domestic cat with black fur. The Cat Fanciers Association recognizes 22 different breeds that are solid black. Most black cats have beautiful golden eyes due to their high melanin pigment content. 

Many myths abound about animal mistreatment, especially of black cats, around the Halloween time and fortunately, they are just that, myths. 

Based on statistics from the Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA and other organizations, black cats are no more likely to be mistreated or in danger on Halloween than any other animal. Of course, even one is too many and maybe someday we can get that number to zero. 

Black cats have been the subject of legends, myths and superstitions. They were, at first, thought of in a good light until they became associated with the craziness that surrounded the witches in some parts of the world dating back to the late 15th century in England. From there, it spread to the colonies, notoriously Salem. Not only were they thought of as helpers of the witches, but in some cases, they were even considered witches in disguise. 

As with everything in life, it all depends on where you are standing in the world at that moment as to what you believe. 

In parts of Europe and the U.S. some people once thought that the presence of a black cat symbolizes that bad luck may occur. 

In Scotland, if a black cat appears on your doorstep, it could be a sign of upcoming wealth, while in Welsh lore, a black cat will bring you good health. 

In Germany, if a black cat walked left to right in front of you, it could mean good times are ahead of you, but right to left might prove unlucky. 

While halfway around the world, in Japan, it is considered to be good luck if a black cat crosses your path. So much so that a black Maneki Neko, or beckoning cat, is a symbol of peace and prosperity in your home and protection from evil. 

Most people now days look at all the superstitions as just that and adopt, like Thom did, a black cat for the sheer joy and beauty that these animals bring into our lives. 

Nekko the black cat

Oscar

One last common myth is that black cats are the least likely to be adopted from animal shelters or rescues. This is untrue, as the ASPCA has said that black cats are actually adopted at a higher rate than cats of any other coat color. 

We will always mention that it is always a good idea to keep your cats and small pets inside on Halloween or any other evening. 

One more reason for keeping our pets in at night, and it all depends on where your neighborhood is located, as in our case, we get one or two coyotes in our backyard at least twice a year for a couple of weeks, once in the spring and now in the fall.

Generally, coyotes are reclusive animals who avoid human contact. However, some coyotes who have adapted to urban environments may realize they may have few threats and might approach people. We have found that what works for us is to simply stand up to the coyote and yell while waving and clapping our hands at them. They might run off for a short distance before stopping and turning to look at us but by keeping this sort of ritual up they will eventually move on. If you take your pet for a walk, try to be aware of your surroundings, especially if walking in or near a wooded area. Try to carry something that makes noise like a whistle, some kind of spray or something to throw towards, but not at, the coyote. NEVER run from a coyote. 

Of course, it’s impossible to be everywhere all at once. Quite often, the only way we know the coyotes have been in our backyards is when they show up on our cameras at night, so we never leave food out at night at either of our homes. 

Just a side note: We hate that dogs and cats are being killed by coyotes and the occasional cougar, but the blame must be shared. We continually destroy forests that are their habitats and source of food, and then we wonder why there are more and more sightings of these animals. They are being pushed out of their homes and habitat, and on top of that, we continue to build out further into their domain. It is just our opinion that we have a hard time blaming them entirely because of what we humans are doing to them. 

Darn shame too, as they really are handsome animals. 

 Paws for Thoughts: “The average dog is nicer than the average person” - Andy Rooney 

Thom Donitz and Trish Lynn are neighbors and close friends who share their love of animals and wildlife. Trish and Thom are residents of Tumwater. Contact them at  pets@theJOLTnews.com.