"A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere." - Groucho Marx

If you're looking to adopt a black cat this month, you might be out of luck. That's because this can be an unlucky time of year to be a black cat and in response, a lot of humane societies and adoption facilities won't allow them to be adopted around Halloween.

There are two main reasons for this. Black cats can be the target of pranksters and other mischief this time of year, according to the Humane Society of the United States Web site, www.hsus.org. The site also warns that people who have black cats should be extra careful about keeping their cats safe during this time. Another reason is because people might adopt black cats to be a "living decoration" at Halloween parties.

When I worked at the Humane Society Calumet Area, we followed this guideline with our adoptions and it didn't cause many problems. But as an employee it was especially hard to enforce because we knew black cats seemed to stay at the shelter the longest before finding a home - perhaps because of their unlucky stigma. Sometimes I worried the adoption regulations would discourage people from looking at them because they wouldn't want to wait until after the holiday to take them home. Luckily, there are a lot of people who love black cats and see their beauty - I am one of them.

If you are thinking of adding a cat to your home, there are some good reasons to consider adopting a black one.

5) They look like small panthers.

4) You don't need a lint brush for a black-tie affair.

3) Holding a black cat is slimming.

2) Black cats match any decor.

And the No. 1 reason - they are the least likely to get adopted.

If you are caught up in all that superstition about black cats, just remember that superstitions often contradict themselves.

A quick visit to www.about.com revealed some interesting black cat superstitions:

* It was largely in the Middle Ages that the black cat became affiliated with evil. Because cats are nocturnal and roam at night, they were believed to be supernatural servants of witches, or even witches themselves.

* In Asia and the United Kingdom, black cats are considered lucky.

* In Yorkshire, England, it may be lucky to own a black cat, but it is unlucky have one cross your path.

* To dream of a black cat is lucky.

* But seeing a black cat in your dream indicates that you are experiencing some fear in using your psychic abilities and believing in your intuition.

* Finding a white hair on a black cat brings good luck. Don't pluck it though, or your luck may turn bad.

The opinions are solely those of the writer. Jennifer Pallay can be reached at jpallay@nwitimes.com.