Black cats get a bad rep. Superstitious sorts see them as bad luck, and it’s been reported that�some people are even shunning them because they don’t look as good in selfies. Who knew felines were subject to Kardashian-levels of scrutiny?
Black and black-and-white cats currently make up 50% of the population of cats in Cats Protection’s adoption centres in eastern England.
The figures, which are marginally higher than the charity’s national average, include Sussex’s National Cat Adoption Centre and Eastbourne Adoption Centre as well as Kent’s Bredhurst Adoption Centre. The centres have between 40% and 64% of black or black-and-white cats in their care.
These figures are echoed by a recent survey of 2,000 members of the public which found that although more than 70% said they would not have a favourite colour if adopting a cat, when 1,000 respondents in another sample were shown a black cat, a tabby cat and a ginger cat in neutral poses, the black cat was seen as less playful, friendly, vocal and attention-seeking than the tabby or ginger cats which typically find homes much faster.
Cats Protection says the findings help to explain its current adoption crisis with black and black-and-white cats, which take longer to be adopted than average, make up half of all of the cats in the charity’s care and account for 48% of the cats at the charity’s 34 adoption centres.
So, in the spirit of Friday 13th, here are five adorable black cats who are all available to adopt locally…
Phillius and Benji at the National Cat Adoption Centre
12-year-old black cat Phillius is distinctive owing to his one white whisker and chatty nature. He is very sweet and friendly, loving fuss, attention and to play with his toys.
He would suit a home with a garden so he can explore or simply find a spot where he can curl up and enjoy some sunshine.
Alongside Phillius at the National Cat Adoption Centre is enthusiastic but fearful Benji who has been in the charity’s care since February when his owner had a new baby and felt unable to keep him.
The black-and-white six-year-old has an adventurous spirit but has found cattery life stressful and likes the company of adults, preferring to be given the time to approach new people on his own terms.
The adoption centre staff feel he would be best suited to an outdoor home with no other cats or dogs, where he can start in an outbuilding such as a barn, stable or shed so that he can decide whether he wants to be near people or if he would prefer to spend time exploring. He could also be welcomed into a home with a garden provided he is given the chance to explore and venture indoors at his own pace.
Buddy, Cagney and Lacey at Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough & District Branch
Five-year-old Buddy arrived in Cats Protection’s care after being stray for a long time. He can be initially very timid and had been over-grooming through anxiety but with patience and understanding he has come out of his shell. He is a very affectionate boy who loves neck rubs and enjoys nothing more than cuddling up close and falling asleep while he is brushed.
His life as a stray has left him with a love of the outdoors so a new home with a garden to explore would be ideal. He would prefer not to share his new family with other cats or dogs as they can scare him and a calm older family would be most likely to enable him to feel relaxed and confident.
Mother and daughter duo Cagney and Lacey are also being fostered by the Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough & District Branch and they are looking for a new home together as a result of the death of their previous owner.
Eight-year-old Cagney and seven-year-old Lacey lived alongside another cat for a while and found the experience stressful; they will therefore need to be the only cats in their new house with no other pets. They are a friendly, gentle and calm twosome who particularly enjoy their food and would particularly enjoy life with a family and a home with a garden for adventures.
Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre and Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough & District Branch have other cats in care all looking for loving homes. Anybody wishing to arrange a time to meet them or their fellow felines should call the branch helpline for Buddy, Cagney and Lacey on 01892 516377 or visit www.uckfield.cats.org.uk/uckfield/adopt-a-cat or for Phillius and Benji they should call the adoption centre on 01825 741 330 or visit www.cats.org.uk/ncac/adopt-a-cat
