Adopting black cats during Halloween.

Apparently reduced adoption fees and promotion of black cats during October has ruffled a few feathers lately.  And The Mew Crew can understand why.  Many rescuers are so busy trying to ward off the bad guys all year long that they can't handle the extra stress that may come during October which is an already busy month for adoptions.  So it may just be easier to declare persona non gratis on anyone seeking a black cat during that time.


ICHC

But advocates for black cat adoptions in October say it's a time that should not be missed.  The Mew Crew definitely feels strongly about doing your best to both protect and promote cats, but definitely giving some extra help for the often under-valued black cats.  That is what Black Cat Awareness Month is all about!

With animal advocates seeming divided on the issue of whether neighbors and local psychopaths pose a real danger or are just an urban legend, what is one supposed to think?  Clearly there are strong points on each side and wouldn't these people then be an all around threat?  Yes, yes they would.

If "the public" can't be trusted to adopt black cats around Halloween, then why exactly are you letting them feed candy to your children? - Ryan Clinton, No Kill Advocate

Well said, Ryan.
 
The Mew Crew always advocates keeping any kitty inside during October and to be guarded with your black cat year round.  We also warn adopters that neighbors are the biggest enemy to their pet, even more so than a passing car or stray animal.  There are cats that live perfectly healthy and long lives after having recovered from an accident or being diagnosed with diseases such as FIV and FELV.  But a cat has a rare chance of making it through being maliciously poisoned by a neighbor or seized by animal control.

All too often neighbors will use animal control to solve personal issues with each other.  The poor companion animals are caught in between and local municipalities are happy to allow animal control agencies to be the decider in these cases.  John Q. Public rarely has any idea what lies in wait for the neighborhood cat once it's on animal control's radar.  And then of course there are just far too many stories which never make it into the news about neighbors trying to harm a friendly outdoor or feral kitty. 

In reality, a little kindness to both humans and animals goes a long way.

...oh and marketing.  Marketing definitely goes a long way.  We have one final marketing trick up our sleeve for the end of BCAM!  So stay tuned.