Why are black cats being abandoned more than other animals? Closer spoke to leading animal charities to find out
Animal shelters often halt the adoption of black cats around Halloween to protect them from cruelty and neglect.
Many superstitious people avoid black cats mistakenly thinking that they will bring bad luck. In fact, UK folklore claims that black cats bring good luck.
And you certainly will be VERY lucky to provide a loving home to one of the many homeless black cats currently being house in shelters up and down the UK.
Sadly, black cats not only risk being neglected but they are even targeted by sickening ritual torture plots.
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Following recent research from the charity Cats Protection (that shows 43 per cent of cats given up for adoption at their centres are black or black and white) vet Hannah Newbury - who works with MSD Animal Health - is urging potential pet owners to adopt a black cat this season.
She explained: "Although their black colouration has led to negative associations with witches, it actually gives them a competitive edge because it provides them with a very effective camouflage.
"This is particularly beneficial for staying out of trouble and also helps as the species evolves. It also makes them look glossy and silky, as well as making their green, yellow or blue eyes appear even brighter."
According to Cats Protection it takes black cats 13 per cent longer to be adopted than other cats, which is why Hannah is urging people to adopt black cats.
She's even recommended a few simple steps to look after their health and welfare correctly.
"No matter what kind of cat you choose to adopt, ensure it is up to date with its vaccinations and parasite treatment. Keep your cat active by playing with them regularly.
"Feed them a balanced, nutritious diet that is formulated specifically for cats and groom them regularly, checking for any lumps or bumps."
She added: "If you have any concerns about your adopted cat, or if you notice any changes in your cat’s behaviour, always speak to your vet as they will be able to advise the best course of action."
PETA's assistant director also told Closer Online: "Every Halloween, PETA receives reports of animals - especially black cats - who have been abducted, injured or even killed by people who use and abuse them for decorations, trick-or-treat "pranks" or even animal sacrifices. That's why PETA encourages everyone to keep cats indoors and even in a secure room during trick-or-treat time to prevent them from slipping out.
"Black cats have been abused throughout history, as people often project their own superstitions and fears onto these wonderful and loving domesticated animals. For some odd reason, many animals are overlooked for adoption or abandoned simply for being black: Blue Cross, for instance, reported a 65 per cent rise in the number of black cats it took in each year between 2007 and 2013 and speculated that the increase was because black cats don't show up as well in selfies.
"If that's true, the human race has sunk to a new level of selfishness and needs to remember that we're not alone on this planet and that all living beings, including ones who are black, deserve respect."
This is also an issue prevalent in the UK, with cats outnumbering dogs in shelters across the country.
Statistics show that black cats in particular are more likely to find themselves without a forever home.
Gail Buchwald from the ASPCA told the Mail Online: “Behaviourally, there’s no difference from the colour of the cat. It’s tied into this whole mythology about the animal — don’t let it cross your path or some foreboding or foreshadowing of evil — and that’s an outdated superstition.”
Alice Potter, a cat behaviour and welfare specialist at the RSPCA, says: “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 can make lovely family pets. There are many in our care ready for their new home and we would love to hear from anyone who is willing to give them a new life.”
There are many ways to help stray cats in your area. You can donate money and food to local cat shelters or animal charities such as the RSPCA (England and Wales), the SSPCA (Scotland) and Cats Protection.
If you are thinking of getting a cat, always try and adopt from a shelter rather than buying from a breeder.
You can help stop the endless cycle of cats becoming homeless and being neglected by making sure your pet is neutered. You can find out everything you need to know about spaying your cat here.
For more information on cats looking for a forever home at the RSPCA visit__.
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