The myth of the unlucky black cat is just a superstition for most. But for animal adoption centers, it's a real problem.
Black cats are among the last cats adopted from shelters and rescues.
They are less likely to find a permanent home than non-black cats, according to Janet Winikoff, director of education for the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County.
"It's always a challenge for animal shelters to adopt out black cats," said Winikoff. She said that too often, black cats stay at shelters for long periods of time because people are afraid of them and less likely to adopt them.
Other problems include the cultural stigma that is attached to a black cat.
"Black cats are associated with being sneaky, Halloween, Satan, bad luck and ghost stories," said Winikoff. "And they're usually depicted hissing and with their backs arched."
For many years, shelters stopped adopting out black cats around Halloween because there were fears that the cats may be injured or killed for ritualistic purposes. But over time, shelters have realized that in reality, these situations rarely occur but they urge cat owners to keep their cats indoors.
