Two overlooked black cats are hoping someone will finally notice them as their one-year anniversary in RSPCA rescue approaches.
Black cats Flash and Archie have been patiently waiting at the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre for nearly 11 months and are now the longest-staying residents.
They were rescued by the charity after they were found living in unsuitable conditions – along with eight other cats – at a property in County Durham last September. Both of them had received inadequate care and socialisation and were petrified of humans when they first arrived.
Thanks to months of patient rehabilitation by Great Ayton’s staff and volunteers, Flash and Archie – who are looking for new homes separately – now enjoy a fuss and a cuddle.
But despite the amazing progress they’ve made, there’s sadly been next to no interest in them from potential adopters. Flash has had no-one come to see her at the centre and Archie has had one visit from potential adopters but they chose another cat.
Staff at the centre think their colour could be one reason why they are continuing to be overlooked. On average, it takes the RSPCA 29 days to find a home for a black cat, in comparison to just nine days for their more ‘popular’ grey tabby counterparts.
Black felines are also often associated with superstition and some people believe they are unlucky, while others claim they don’t look as good in photos.
The centre is now hoping that an appeal for Flash and Archie will find them both a perfect match, just like it did for long-stay black cats Eddie and Lola.
Cattery supervisor Beverley Dunn, said: “Flash and Archie were living in a multi-cat household, it was very much a free for all, and as a result they were under socialised and very wary of humans. Flash in particular was petrified, she was also covered in fleas and scabs, so it’s been quite a journey for her from both a physical and mental point of view.
“She’s an amazing girl who really enjoys a fuss and a cuddle and she’ll now come straight over and get on your knees. She’s come on so much in our care and is a firm favourite with everyone here.
“Archie is a shy but sweet boy who enjoys sitting in his outside yard and watching the world go by. He was so scared when he first arrived and just hid away from us all. But slowly he’s gained confidence and his personality has shone through. If you sit with him he’ll come and take treats from you and he has the biggest purr and meow you can imagine.
“The fact that black and black and white cats take longer to rehome is nothing new to us, it’s something we see time and time again, but we’d urge people to look beyond what an animal looks like as the colour of their fur makes no difference to how much love they have to give.
“Flash and Archie have come such a long way from the scared and timid characters that arrived through our doors nearly 11 months ago. They both really deserve the opportunity to thrive and enjoy life in their own homes and we’d encourage anyone who has been moved by their story to get in touch with the centre.”
Flash is thought to be around two years old. She has now been spayed and could live with secondary-aged children, although she’d prefer to be the only pet.
Archie, who is approximately ten, will need a patient adopter with a gentle approach to gain his trust and let him settle into a new home on his own terms. He will need a pet free, adult-only household.
