The RSPCA is caring for hundreds of black and black and white cats, across its centres and branches with 676 currently being cared for at its national centres.
On Halloween the animal welfare charity wants to dispel the ‘spooky’ and superstitious myths which often surround black cats. The plea for prospective black cat adopters comes as the charity continues its month-long rehoming campaign Adoptober.
The RSPCA says black and black and white cats are nearly three times more likely to come into care than tabby felines. There are also 626% more black moggies than ginger cats in RSPCA care and 25 times more ‘mini panthers’ than white cats.
The charity has also revealed that black cats take three times longer to find homes than tabby cats meaning not only are there more in RSPCA care but they are also staying for longer before they are rehomed. The struggle to rehome black cats is contributing to a rehoming crisis – that has prompted the RSPCA to relaunch its annual Adoptober rehoming drive this month.
Alice Potter, RSPCA cat welfare expert, said: “There are overwhelmingly more black and black and white cats in our care than any other coat colour – and they also take much longer to rehome, which sadly means they are staying in rescue centres for much longer periods. Not only is this sad for the cats who are patiently waiting for their second chance at happiness, but it also means that there are limited spaces to help new cats because our centres are full of black cats which sadly no one wants to adopt.
“We don’t know for sure why black cats are more likely to end up in rescue centres and are then overlooked by prospective adopters. It could be because there are more black cats than any other colour in the cat population so cats with different colours and patterns tend to stand out to adopters – but we hope many of them find their loving new forever homes this Adoptober.
“We know some people also consider them unlucky or associate them with superstition, or even think they don’t look good in Instagram photos but in reality, they are just like any other cat who needs a loving home.”
Alice added: “Black cats can’t bring you bad luck or good luck – and they certainly can’t predict the weather – but they do need forever homes. The colour of an animal’s fur makes no difference to how much love they have to give. We would ask anyone looking to bring a rescue cat into their life to please consider adopting a black cat.”
Rehoming centres across England and Wales are at near or full capacity, with pets either waiting to be adopted, or being assessed for adoption – leaving countless dogs, cats and other animals still in emergency boarding waiting for a place at a rehoming centre.
In response, the RSPCA – which is marking its 200th year – has launched its annual ‘Adoptober’ rehoming campaign; urging animal lovers to adopt a pet from a rescue centre or RSPCA branch rather than buying from a breeder to help ease the spiralling rehoming crisis.
If you cannot rehome a rescue pet, please consider donating to help support the work of the RSPCA instead: www.rspca.org.uk/give
