Halloween brings spooky stories, ghostly wanderings, and old superstitions. But black cats are not evil. They are loving companions and symbols of good luck.
Sadly, black cats are often the last to be adopted from shelters. And during this season, some people target free‑roaming black cats. It’s cruel and heartbreaking.
Please keep your black cats indoors and safe. They deserve protection, love, and a world that sees their beauty — not outdated fear.
MEO SPECIAL REPORT
Late last night, chaos swept through the WMEO newsroom. Papers flew, chairs toppled, and Balboa — our black‑furred co‑anchor — went full house‑panther berserker mode.
Why? Because yesterday was Black Cat Appreciation Day, and WMEO failed to appreciate the black cat.
Balboa, deeply committed to dismantling anti‑black‑cat superstitions (and to earning bonus treats), waited all day for his tribute. When none appeared, our usually mild‑mannered co‑anchor went postal, launching a dramatic protest with teeth, claws, and interpretive rage‑dancing.
An emergency archive check uncovered the truth: Dusty (Deborah) has always celebrated August 18, not the 17th. The newsroom calendar listed the wrong date, and Balboa did not take the oversight lightly.
Mom corrected the calendar, restored order, and soothed the newsroom. No humans suffered injuries, and the WMEO schedule now reflects the proper date for 2027.
WMEO issues heartfelt apologies to Balboa, Champion of Black Cat Awareness.
End of WMEO Breaking News Alert. Please return to your regularly scheduled chaos.
A House Panther’s Sixth Year: Drama, Treats, and Tiny Claw PokesSix years ago, I adopted a “shy, skittish” cat. They said you’d hide. You’d be nervous. They did not say you’d become the CEO of the household and union leader of the Treats & Cat Grass Department.
You were never shy with me — but strangers? The door opens and you perform a disappearing act that would make Houdini proud. Banner might try to escape for adventure; you vanish to avoid conversation.
You’ve grown from a tiny lap kitten into a full-grown house panther who still needs pre‑appointment medication just to survive a vet visit. It’s a checkup, Balboa, not an assassination attempt. No one is plotting your demise; they just want to look in your ears.
Fireworks remain your mortal enemy. Banner watches them like he’s waiting for popcorn, but you hear
one “pop” and immediately enter Witness Protection. This year’s barrage was especially bad; you’re still decompressing in your safe zones like a little furry war veteran, tucked into your kitty condos and behind the headboard. Can cats have PTSD?
But when the world is quiet? Balboa, you strut. You rule. It’s snacks on demand with the confidence of a cat who has never once paid rent. You boss your brother, you boss me, and you poke me with those tiny claws when you feel I’m not paying proper tribute.
Happy Birthday, Balboa. May your next six years be filled with treats, naps, and minimal explosions. You will always be my baby kitty.
“Yeah, yeah, Happy Birthday, Balboa. I’d have gotten you a present, but every toy I buy somehow becomes your toy anyway. Also, please stop screaming when the vet calls — you’re embarrassing both of us.”
Today is a chance to help black cats everywhere cast off their underserved reputation as an omen of bad luck. As the lead in to Halloween we take a moment to show our love and support for this mis- understood feline. 
A Shadowed ReputationDespite their sleek beauty and playful personalities, black cats often face unfair stigma. Rooted in centuries-old superstitions, these felines are still seen by some as omens of bad luck—a myth that continues to cast a long shadow over their fate.
According to several animal-advocacy groups and adoption agencies, black cats experience significantly lower rates of adoption compared to their more colorful counterparts. Their dark coats may make them less noticeable in shelters, and outdated beliefs can deter potential adopters.
Tragically, this bias has real consequences. Black cats are euthanized at higher rates than other breeds, simply because they’re overlooked or misunderstood. Shelters often struggle to find homes for them, especially during peak intake seasons.
It’s time to rewrite the narrative. Black cats are just as loving, quirky, and magical as any other feline. By choosing to adopt a black cat, you’re not only gaining a loyal companion—you’re helping dismantle harmful myths and giving a deserving animal a second chance.
Our pet model for this post is Balboa, the photographer Deb Neumann. All rights reserved
October isn’t just for pumpkins and spooky tales—it’s also Black Cat Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the sleek, mysterious felines who’ve long been misunderstood. And who better to represent this cause than Balboa, the regal, mischievous heartthrob of Around Dusty Roads?
Balboa isn’t just a cat—he’s a shadow dancer, a sunbeam chaser, and a purring poet in fur. Yet despite their charm, black cats like Balboa often face unfair odds in shelters due to centuries-old superstitions.
From medieval Europe to modern pop culture, black cats have been tangled in tales of witchcraft and bad luck. Some still believe that a black cat crossing your path is a sign of doom. But as Groucho Marx quipped, “A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.” Balboa would add—with a flick of his tail—that it’s probably toward a sunlit nap or a snack.
These outdated beliefs have real consequences. Studies show black cats are less likely to be adopted than their lighter-colored counterparts. Their features can be harder to photograph, and they’re often overlooked in crowded shelters. It’s a heartbreaking irony: the very traits that make them elegant and enigmatic are the ones that keep them waiting for homes.
Balboa’s story is a reminder that black cats are anything but unlucky. He’s a daily dose of joy, a midnight-colored muse who inspires blog posts, product spotlights, and cozy evenings. His antics—whether chasing shadows or curling up beside a book—prove that love, not superstition, should guide our choices.
A Balboa Blep- photo credit Deb Neumann
This October, let’s rewrite the narrative. Share stories of your black cats, support shelters, and consider adopting a feline like Balboa. Because behind every black coat is a heart full of magic.
photo credit Deb Neumann