RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - As Halloween nears, STARS No Kill Rescue has paused adoptions of black cats and kittens from October 1 to November 5. This annual decision is aimed at protecting the animals during a time when they may face increased risks.
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Michelle Brock, the founder of STARS No Kill Rescue, cited a traumatic experience from her childhood involving a neighbor that influenced this policy. She recalled, "Unfortunately, an experience that had happened to my neighbor when I was younger. That had stuck with me, and it was a very traumatic experience."
This year, the rescue has noticed an uptick in interest for black cats, with many potential adopters requesting them specifically. Brock noted, "We’ve had a lot of people specifically and right off the bat they want a black kitten or a black cat."
Reactions to the adoptions pause are mixed. While some understand the reasoning behind the temporary halt, others express frustration. Brock explained, "But at this time we have to inform them that we do not adopt out until November 5th. And some of the people are very understanding, some of them are not."
Statistics indicate that black cats wait about 24% longer to be adopted compared to lighter-colored cats. The Halloween pause is part of STARS' efforts to ensure the safety of these animals, as black cats have been linked to Halloween and perceptions of bad luck, though they also symbolize good fortune in cultures such as those in Japan, Scotland, and parts of England.
In addition to suspending adoptions, the rescue urges cat owners to ensure their indoor-outdoor cats stay safe during the holiday. Brock recommended keeping cats in a secure room during trick-or-treating hours, as frequent door openings can lead to escapes.
The adoption pause is a temporary safety measure, not a permanent ban on adopting black cats.