New figures suggest that black cats may be amongst the UK’s least popular type of feline, as the numbers arriving at the animal charity’s rescue centres are disproportionately high compared with other cats and they take a longer time to be adopted.
Marking Black Cat Appreciation Day yesterday (August 17), new data from the RSPCA revealed that nearly twice as many black cats were taken into rescue centres (1,026) compared with tabby cats (551) in 2020. Only black and white cats scored higher. It took an average of nearly 35 days for a black cat to find a forever home, compared with around 28 days for a tabby.
Dr Jane Tyson, scientific officer for the RSPCA’s companion animals department, said: “It is a sad fact that black cats really don’t have much luck because we see more of them coming through our doors than any other colour of cat, other than black and white cats, possibly because they are much more common.
“Other cats, such as tabbies, have distinctive markings, making them look more attractive to some but we would urge people to look beyond what an animal looks like. Their fur colour makes no difference to how much love they have to give.
“Black cats won’t bring you good luck or bad luck but they do need forever homes. If you can bring some magic into their lives they are sure to bring some love into yours.”
