As autumn nights grow longer and Halloween draws nearer, pet experts are shedding light on some of the most persistent superstitions about our furry companions.
TrustedHousesitters, the UK’s leading pet-sitting platform, has gathered insights to separate fact from fiction in the animal world, addressing common beliefs about pets that often resurface during this time of year.
Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, explains that while Halloween can be a fun time for pet owners, it’s also a season when old wives’ tales and eerie myths about our four-legged companions run wild. “While many of these beliefs are harmless fun, some can lead to misconceptions about pet behaviour or even affect animal welfare,” Laws warns.
It’s time to shine a light on these shadowy superstitions!
Debunking the myths: are these pet tales tricks or treats?
Black cats bring bad luck: MYTH
Perhaps the most famous pet superstition, black cats have long been associated with bad luck, especially when crossing your path. Laws explains, “This belief likely stems from medieval associations with witchcraft. In reality, black cats are just as loving and adoptable as any other feline. In fact, in some cultures, black cats are considered lucky!”
Dogs howling predict death: MYTH
An age-old superstition suggests that a dog howling at night is an omen of death. “Dogs howl for various reasons, including communication with other dogs, response to high-pitched sounds, or even anxiety,” Laws clarifies. “It’s not a supernatural prediction, but a natural canine behaviour.”
Birds flying into houses foretell bad news: MYTH
Some believe a bird entering a home is a harbinger of bad news or even death. Laws comments, “Birds occasionally fly into houses by accident, usually due to confusion or attraction to reflective surfaces. It’s not a spiritual sign, but it does mean you should help the bird find its way out safely.”
Cats can steal a baby’s breath: MYTH
This old wives’ tale suggests cats might suffocate infants by stealing their breath. “This dangerous myth likely originated from cats’ tendency to seek warm places to sleep, which might include a baby’s cot,” Laws explains. “Cats pose no such supernatural threat – although you should always supervise pets around infants.”
Animals can sense ghosts: MYTH
While many pet owners swear their pets can detect supernatural presences, there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. Many pets, such as dogs, have heightened senses compared to humans, particularly their hearing and smell, says Laws. They might react to subtle environmental changes we can’t perceive, which could be misinterpreted as ghostly encounters. It’s their acute awareness, not a sixth sense for spirits, that’s at play.
Pets have a sixth sense and can detect pregnancy: PARTLY TRUE
Many pet owners claim their furry friends knew they were pregnant before they did. While it might seem like a supernatural ability, Laws explains, “Pets, especially dogs, have an incredibly keen sense of smell. They can detect subtle changes in hormones and body chemistry, which might make them behave differently around pregnant individuals. However, this isn’t a mystical sixth sense, but rather their natural, highly-evolved sensory abilities at work.”
Full moons make pets behave oddly: MYTH
Despite the werewolf legends, the full moon doesn’t turn your pet into a monster. There’s no scientific evidence that lunar phases affect pet behaviour, Laws explains. If your pet seems more active on Halloween night, it’s likely due to the increased activity and excitement in your household, not the moon or anything superstitious.
As Halloween approaches, Laws emphasises the importance of not letting superstitions cloud our judgment, especially when it comes to black cats:
“It’s crucial to remember that black cats are just as deserving of love and care as any other pet. Unfortunately, they often face discrimination due to baseless superstitions, particularly around Halloween. We urge people not to let old wives’ tales influence their decisions about pet adoption or care.
“Whether it’s a black cat crossing your path or a dog howling at night, there’s usually a simple, non-supernatural explanation for pet behaviour. Instead of getting spooked, take the time to understand your pets’ needs and behaviours. By separating fact from fiction, we can ensure all pets, regardless of colour or breed, receive the love and care they deserve – not just at Halloween, but all year round.”
For those planning to travel this autumn, TrustedHousesitters offers an alternative to traditional pet care. Their platform connects pet owners with verified sitters who’ll treat your pets like family, ensuring they’re comfortable in their own haunt while you’re away. To learn more about TrustedHousesitters, visit https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-assignments/.
