Encouraging more black cats to be rehomed

Cats Protection is holding National Black Cat Day on Thursday 25 October in the hope that more black cats will be adopted from the charity.

Black cats are waiting longer to be rehomed, say the charity, which currently has more than 1,400 in their care across the UK. They say people generally prefer to adopt different coloured cats.

The charity has decided to hold an annual National Black Cat Day to encourage rehoming, and are asking black cat owners to support the campaign by uploading stories online.

Danielle Draper, manager at Cat Protection's National Cat Adoption Centre in Sussex, said: "People seem to be more taken with torties, tabbies and other colours - perhaps due to a perception that variety adds spice.

"Although it's lovely to see these cats finding their forever homes, it's sad to see black cats left waiting in the wings. They make up about 23 per cent of all the cats in Cats Protection's care and each one waits around a week longer to be rehomed than the average cat."