Tuesday marks National Black Cat Day, and northern Nevada shelters are using the occasion to set the record straight about adoption patterns for the iconic feline. Both the Nevada Humane Society and the SPCA of Northern Nevada say they do not see a noticeable shift in black‑cat adoptions during October, the month traditionally linked to Halloween.
Shelter officials say adoption rates are consistent year‑round
“Adopting a black cat during October around Halloween is no different than adopting a black cat during any other time of the year,” said Julia Carney, Marketing Manager for the Nevada Humane Society. She added that the organization sees a steady flow of adoptions each month, with no rise or fall tied to the holiday.
Similarly, Sydney Denham, Communications Manager for the SPCA of Northern Nevada, noted that cats of all colors are “flying out of the kennel doors,” describing the volume of adoptions as a “great problem to have.” The trend, Denham explained, applies equally to charcoal‑colored cats and those of other hues.
Data shows seasonal intake dip, not adoption spikes
Analysis of intake numbers from Washoe County Regional Animal Services over the past five years supports the shelters’ observations. From May through September, the county averaged about 200 black cats per month. Intake drops to roughly 170 in October and 118 in November, a pattern that mirrors the decline for cats of other colors and aligns with colder weather.
Preliminary figures for 2026 follow the same trajectory, with black‑cat intake remaining comparable to other months and the SPCA reporting a similar adoption pattern.
Myths about Halloween harm debunked
Some shelters nationwide have chosen to keep black cats off their adoption lists around Halloween, fearing potential mistreatment or abandonment. Local officials say that narrative does not apply here. “In our care, we’ve seen that once cats are adopted, they tend to stay in those homes,” Carney said.
Denham echoed the sentiment, urging residents not to let superstition deter them from seeking a companion. “I don’t want that to discourage people from going and finding themselves a loving companion specifically around this time, but also year‑round,” she added.
How to find a black cat near you
Anyone interested in adopting a black cat can check the current listings on the Nevada Humane Society’s and the SPCA’s websites. Both organizations emphasize that every cat, regardless of color, deserves a caring home and that adoption decisions should be based on the animal’s personality and the family’s needs, not on folklore.
As the community celebrates National Black Cat Day, the message from local shelters is clear: black cats are just as adoptable as any other pet, and the best time to bring one home is whenever you’re ready for a new companion.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
