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 *, including at RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre’s cattery, near Nantwich in Cheshire.
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.”
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.”
At Stapeley Grange, Fox and Badger, a sweet brother-sister duo, are looking for new homes. They arrived at the wildlife centre’s cattery at the end of August after being found alone near some shops. At eight weeks old, the pair were at the tail end of their key socialisation period, so staff have been working hard to show them that humans can be friends by reading to them and spending time with them. Now 12 weeks old, they are ready for a calm and patient home where they can settle in at their own pace. Initially, they were frightened and stressed around humans, but thanks to the cattery team’s gentle approach they’re now happy to play and enjoy some fuss.
Badger loves his toys, especially his toy mouse, and will even follow staff outside to play. Fox, meanwhile, is still a bit nervous but enjoys being stroked and loves to perch on her cat fort, where she purrs happily while getting attention.
Together, they share a wonderful bond, often grooming and playing with each other. They thrive in a predictable environment and would do best in an adult-only home. A gradual introduction to a laid-back existing cat would be fine, too. Stapeley says Fox and Badger would be happiest as indoor cats for now, with plenty of space and enrichment. They might explore outside later when they’re more settled and confident.
If you think you can provide the loving home they need, please complete the online application form.
Mary is a beautiful five-year-old girl who came to the RSPCA earlier this year from a neglect case. After some time and a predictable routine, she’s now much more settled and ready for her forever home. She’s neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and in great health.
Mary loves to greet staff with enthusiastic head nudges and enjoys human companionship—especially if catnip is involved. She can’t resist bounding over when she sees it, rolling around joyfully.
Mary would thrive as the only pet in a home with children aged eight and over who understand cats. She dreams of a safe garden to explore, away from busy roads.
If you think you can provide Mary with the loving home she deserves, please fill out the online application form.
The cats’ pleas for new homes 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.
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
