The charity has released the shocking figures for Black Cat Appreciation Day (Saturday 17 August) and is encouraging potential adopters to buck this trend and consider adopting a rescue black cat.
Many myths exist around black cats – including whether they are lucky, or unlucky; and a claim they are harder to photograph for social media which sadly could be the cause of so many black cats being overlooked at RSPCA centres by potential adopters.
On average, it takes black cats 29 days to find a home, in comparison to grey tabby cats which are rehomed in just nine days.
Dominika Jagoda, RSPCA pet welfare expert, said: “We love all cats at the RSPCA which is why we’re highlighting the plight of black cats who can often wait three times longer than other felines to be chosen by a potential adopter. Whether people consider them to be unlucky or think they don’t look good in photos, the truth is that 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.
“We know some people think they don’t look ‘Instagrammable’ but we’d urge people to see past how an animal looks and choose their companion based on their unique personality – and besides, we disagree and believe all these cats are very photogenic! We would ask anyone looking to bring a rescue cat into their life to please consider adopting a black cat.”
🐈⬛ Black cats for adoption
Four-year-old Monty has waited a whopping 177 days to find his forever home. He came into the care of the RSPCA Martlesham Animal Centre in Suffolk after his previous owner had a change in circumstances which meant sadly they could no longer care for Monty. Poor Monty finds cattery life quite stressful and is looking for a patient and understanding owner: https://shorturl.at/9O6Ub
Otto, a four-year-old male black cat has sadly been overlooked for 169 days since he came into the care of the RSPCA Newbrook Farm Animal Centre in Birmingham in March. He was rescued after he was found with an extensive wound to his chest which after a stay at the animal hospital has now fully healed. He is a chatty boy who loves a fuss and is looking for a family to call his own: https://shorturl.at/ErANG
Five-year-old Simba (pictured top) was sadly abandoned in a property by his previous owners. He came into the care of the RSPCA Newbrook Farm Animal Centre for some much-needed TLC and with some time, space and patience his confidence has grown. He has now patiently waited 168 days to find his forever home and is looking for a quiet, calm home to match his personality: https://shorturl.at/tmU5Y
Harriet is a two-year-old cat who came into the care of the RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre in Chester-le-Street with her kittens. She nursed her litter and they have all been rehomed but Harriet is still yet to find her forever home after 85 days. She is an affectionate girl who loves attention and fuss and could live with another friendly cat or dog: https://shorturl.at/IaWb1
Five-year-old Moomin came into the care of the RSPCA Danaher Animal Home in Wethersfield, Essex, after he was found as a stray in desperate need of some TLC and since then he has waited 32 days to find a home. He is a gentle and affectionate cat who enjoys basking in the sun, fuss and treats. He does have a reserved nature at times and is looking for a family who can give him time and space to settle in: https://shorturl.at/dMAjB
