The Spanish town of Terrassa, on the outskirts of Barcelona, banned the adoption of black cats from October 1 to November 1—a period when adoption requests for black cats usually increase—to avoid their potential use in harmful rituals during Halloween.ù
The measure is preventive, as there have been no reports of harm to black cats in Terrassa. However, the decision followed warnings from animal protection groups and incidents that have occurred in other areas.
This Spanish case is not an isolated one. According to The Spruce Pets, many animal shelters across the world avoid placing black cats in homes during October for fear that they could be used in sacrificial rituals.
Indeed, beliefs associating black cats with bad luck have been around for centuries, especially as a staple of Halloween. Nonetheless, black cats are not only symbols of misfortune; in many cultures, they are actually considered a sign of good luck.Intrigued? Click through to cross paths with the black cat.