Black cats being left out ofthe picture says Blue Cross

Northiam’s Blue Cross centre says that it has trouble finding new homes for black cats.

The claim follows an item in the national news that black cats were unpopular as they did not show up so well in photographs.

Sophia Khan, from the Blue Cross, said: “Black cat syndrome is leaving cats in the dark and struggling to find new homes because they are the ‘wrong’ colour.

“Black cats struggle to find homes much more than other more colourful kitties.

“Almost half of all the cats in Blue Cross care are black or black and white, which on average take 40 per cent longer to find homes compared to other coloured felines.”

Last year Blue Cross took in over 4,000 cats and kittens and now we are encouraging would-be cat owners to consider adopting a black or black and white kitty.

Maria Steel, Rehoming Centre Manager at Northiam Blue Cross says: “Black cats do tend to take longer to find homes. They are a bit trickier to photograph, which means they may not stand out as much on our website rehoming pages.

“Also many people don’t want a black cat because they aren’t the right colour - some people can be very specific about the colour and markings they want, but we would always encourage people to choose a cat, or any pet, on its character, not its looks. ”

While the average stay for cats is just 35 days, one black cat Brewster has been waiting for a home for over 130 days.

The five-year-old moggy arrived at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Northiam back in March and is more than ready to meet his new family now.

Maria said: “Brewster is a friendly cat who will rub around your legs for attention and occasionally jump into your lap, but doesn’t like too much fuss.

“Brewster also loves to explore and play in the garden and lay in the sun for a rest. He would like to be the only cat in his new home, which would ideally have a cat flap.”

To find out more about Brewster and the other black cats, contact Northiam Blue Cross on 0300 777 1510 or visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

You can also tweet your own #blackcatselfie to @TheBlueCross or post it up on the Northiam Blue Cross Facebook group.