Massachusetts animal shelters waive adoption fee highlighting black cats

SALEM, Mass. (WWLP) – A black cat-inspired adoptation is kicking off in October at MSPCA animal shelters called ‘Purranormal Cativity’ to make room for pets impacted by Hurricane Helene.

MSPCA is waiving its fee for some of the cats available for adoption from October 1st through October 4th. MSPCA-Angell says they have about 40 black cats that are in need of their forever homes and are looking to debunk the myth associated with them around Halloween.

“There are so many myths surrounding black cats and Halloween that people still believe,” said MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley. “Facts and data consistently disprove them, and that’s what people should focus on, but it’s unfortunately not always the case, and this season tends to evoke more of these dangerous misconceptions, which often lead to worse outcomes for cats.”

“So, we want to get out there loudly and early to tell people the truth: Black cats are equally deserving of love as any other animals in shelters, and that remains true regardless of the time of year!”

Keiley told 22News that even though they have an animal shelter in Salem, the iconic Halloween destination, he said people aren’t adopting black cats for the holiday and returning them. “Whether in Salem or somewhere else, people aren’t motivated to adopt black cats around Halloween for that reason,” he elaborated. “It’s also untrue that they only adopt them for a theme and then return them after Halloween.”

Cats available for adoption

If you are interested in adopting a cat, visit the MSPCA shelters MSPCA shelters in Boston , Methuen , Salem and Centerville on Cape Cod during operating hours or visit mspca.org/feewaived for more information.

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