To mark National Black Cat Day (October 27) and just in time for Halloween, the RSPCA has revealed that it sadly takes longer to rehome black cats than any other coat colour.
Black cats are often associated with superstitions while some people believe they don’t look good in photos. This sadly means it can take longer for a black cat in a rescue centre to find a home.
On average, it takes black cats 29 days to find a home, in comparison to grey tabby cats which are rehomed in just 9 days – meaning it takes black cats over three times longer to find homes than some more “popular” felines. There are also more black and black and white cats in the charity’s care than any other coat colour – with over 5,000 coming into the RSPCA’s national centres since 2020.
The higher numbers of black, or black and white cats, ending up in rescue centres and their longer length of stay could be in part due to myths around black cats, especially at this time of year. Worrying, 82% of national RSPCA centres have heard potential adopters share the myth that black cats are unlucky – making rehoming them even more challenging for the charity.
Dominika Jagoda, scientific and policy officer for the companion animals department at the RSPCA, said: “In truth, black cats won’t bring you bad luck – but they do need forever homes. The colour of an animal’s fur makes no difference to how much love they have to give. If you can bring some magic into their lives they are sure to bring some love into yours – so they even make your lucky day!”
The charity’s month-long rehoming campaign, Adoptober, has highlighted a worrying collapse in rehoming rates; which have fallen by 30% from three years ago – when 39,178 animals were rehomed. In 2022, only 27,535 animals were rehomed by the RSPCA. As the campaign comes to an end, the RSPCA now hopes to find homes for the black cats in its care – with many of its centres “full to bursting”.
Buddy (pictured above) is a four-year old-black and white male cat who came into the care of the RSPCA Wirral and Chester Animal Centre after his previous owner sadly passed away. He is looking for a home where he can have lots of fuss and attention. He also loves exploring and going on adventures outside so would like access to the outdoors so he can explore.
Buddy is a friendly and sweet boy and is ready to land on his paws in his new forever home this Halloween.
To give him a loving home, contact the RSPCA Wirral and Chester Branch on 01516 386318.
Two-year-old Bonnie is a female black cat who hasn’t had the best start in life and is now looking for her forever home. She loves trick or treats, mainly the treats, and does like her own space. She is looking for a new owner who will give her time to get used to her new home. Once she settles in, she is sure to win a new owners’ heart!
To give her a loving home, contact the RSPCA Wirral and Chester Branch on 01516 386318.
Triumph is a one-year-old long-haired male cat who was born as an outdoor cat and is now looking for someone to keep an eye on him. He was brought into the charity’s care along with his siblings and mum around seven months ago. The other two cats have now been rehomed but Triumph is still looking.
He is a little unsure of people but as long as he has some cosy spots to hide, he has started to feel more confident and will come out to enjoy some company. Triumph would prefer to stay as an outdoor cat, and would be looking for a home on a farm, smallholding, or large garden where he can explore the great outdoors but also have a safe and secure place to sleep at night, and someone to keep an eye on him.
If you have the perfect home for Triumph please contact the RSPCA Mid Norfolk and North Suffolk Branch on 0303 040 1565.
Cosmo is a seven-year-old boy who came into the charity’s care as his previous owner could no longer cope with caring for him and their other pets. He is a friendly, adoring soul who loves fuss and loves his food even more. He’s carrying a little extra weight at 6.7kg (14.8lb) so his new owners will need to help him shift the pounds – a puzzle feeder helps to slow him down.
He is a calming cat who enjoys the company of people. He would prefer a quiet home where he can be the only cat and needs a comfy lap to curl up on. He also likes to potter around outside and so would like free access to explore.
If you can give Cosmo a home please contact the RSPCA Manchester and Salford Branch via email: [email protected]
Dominika added: “Sharing our lives and homes with these cats can be so rewarding and fulfilling. There is nothing scary or unlucky about the love these cats can bring.
“Throughout this Adoptober rehoming month, we want to inspire those who are in a position to adopt a pet to open their homes to an animal in need of a new start, to help reduce the pressure on the RSPCA centres and branches.
“Even if you can’t open your home to a pet, we all have the power to take action for animals. You can support the RSPCA by sharing our message or donating to help us continue our vital work.”
Could you offer a rescue pet a loving new home? Please visit Find A Pet to see all of the animals currently in the RSPCA’s care who are looking for their paw-fect match.
