Animal shelters tighten adoption rules as Halloween nears.

To most people cats are playful members of the family, but some animal activists say not everyone treats cats with dignity and respect.

"Unfortunately, there are people that will use them for bad intentions particularly in the month of October," says Tammy Hawley of the Humane Society of North Texas.

Hawley says she's seen horrible things done to cats, especially black cats, in October.

It could be superstition, cruel kids or cult activity but no matter the reason, many shelters completely stop black cat adoptions during the weeks leading up to Halloween.

The Humane Society takes a different approach.

If you want to adopt a cat in October, you're more than welcome to do so, but if you want to adopt a black cat you're going to be asked a few more questions.

Hawley says the screening process is a lot tougher for people looking to adopt one of these in the days before Halloween.

If you have a cat at home, Hawley says it's safer to just keep them indoors this time of year.

Another hazard for your pets is candy.

Chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs.