Black cats are nearly THREE TIMES more likely to come into RSPCA care than any other coat colour, according to new figures released by the charity.
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.*
This National Black Cat Day (October 27), and with Halloween around the corner, the animal welfare charity is dispelling 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 has also revealed that black and black and white cats are nearly three times (2.7) 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 driver 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.”
Black cat myths and legends
- They bring bad luck – or good luck depending on which direction they cross your path
- They are associated with witches, either as their ‘familiars’ or the witches themselves in disguise
- A black cat walking away from you is a bad omen
- In 16th-century Italy, it was believed that death would come if a black cat lay on someone’s sickbed
- In Japan, it is often believed a black cat signifies you will be lucky in love
- In Ancient Egypt, black cats were held in high esteem because they resembled Bastet, the cat-headed Egyptian goddess of home, fertility and protection
- In Scotland, seeing a black cat appear on your doorstep is a sign of prosperity and good weather
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.”
Magic is a five-year-old male cat who is being cared for at the RSPCA Newbrook Farm Animal Centre in Birmingham. He was brought into the charity’s care by a member of the public who had previously been feeding him but noticed that he had lost weight and was lame in his left hind leg.
Tests showed he had a cruciate ligament injury which has now been repaired but it has left him with some lameness. Magis is a lovely boy despite all he has been through. He enjoys fuss, head bumps, and loves spending time sunbathing in his run. He can be a little wary in new situations but once he has gained confidence he is much happier. More information on rehoming Magic is available online.
Raven is a five-year-old black and white cat at the RSPCA Central London Branch. She was quite shy when she first arrived at the branch but once she learns to trust you, she is very sweet and affectionate and loves to receive cuddles and fuss. She is also partial to a tasty treat – and her carers have discovered this is the way to her heart.
As she is quite timid, she would prefer an adult-only home or a home with older children, who understand she will need time to adjust and settle in before she shows her lovely, purry side. For more information on rehoming Raven, prospective adopters can visit her profile online.
Maverick is a three-year-old black cat who was rescued by the RSPCA after becoming stuck inside a pipe. Thankfully, an RSPCA inspector was able to bring him to safety and transfer the stray cat into the care of the RSPCA Essex South West Branch. He is a very cheeky chap and is super playful. He also loves to curl up with ‘hoomans’ and enjoys the company of people above all else. More information about Maverick’s is available online.
Tia was sadly abandoned by her previous owner before coming into the care of the RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre in Hertfordshire. It has taken this nine-year-old girl a little time to settle in after her ordeal but her beautiful personality is starting to shine through now. She loves playing with string toys and loves having cuddles and curling up on a lap.
She is a lady of leisure and enjoys the finer things in life such as snoozing like a princess on the top of her cat tower and of course – food! She has been in RSPCA care for a very long time so will need to be introduced to the outdoors at a very slow pace. For more information prospective adopters can read Tia’s profile online.
One-year-old Ebony is only young herself but has already had a litter of kittens. She was rescued along with her kittens and is now being cared for by the RSPCA Middlesex North West & South Hertfordshire Branch. Her kittens have all found homes and Ebony is now looking for hers. She is sociable, confident and full of charm.
An easy-going and friendly cat, she knows what she wants and isn’t shy about letting you know – she wants to be showered with attention and strokes. She does need a little time to let her personality shine through but once it does, you will soon realise how wonderful she is. She would like to be the only pet in the home and could live with families with older children. More information is available online.
Lily is a one-year-old female black cat who came into the care of RSPCA Southridge when sadly her owner passed away. Initially, poor Lily was scared and frightened and this meant she wouldn’t interact with the staff at the centre in Hertfordshire. However, she has responded well to some patience and gentle handling and is starting to become a friendly and affectionate little kitten.
She would need a calm household as she can still be nervous and would appreciate a set-up with lots of hiding places for her to escape to when she wants. She also likes to play and would like access to a private garden away from busy roads once she has settled. More information about Lily is available online.
Their plea for a home comes as the RSPCA reveals it is facing a rehoming crisis across England and Wales. New figures show that in 2023, 42% more animals arrived at the RSPCA than were adopted.
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.
