Worthing Cat Welfare Trust (WCWT) said it is struggling to rehome 20 black cats as people ‘heartbreakingly’ opt to adopt felines of other colours.
According to WCWT trustee Joss Loader, this may have something to do with an old superstition.
Joss said: "It's hard to pinpoint why these lovely cats appear to be less popular with would-be adopters.
“There appears to be some superstition attached. Some are worried that they're unlucky - which is patently not the case - yet in other cultures they can symbolise good fortune and longevity.
"What is true, is that all these lovely cats deserve a second chance with loving homes. They really shouldn't be overlooked so frequently, simply because of their colour.
"It's unfair and really sad for the cats and worrying for those at WCWT who are looking after them."
Black, and black and white cats, are ‘heartbreakingly so often passed by’ according to Joss, despite the charity’s best efforts to secure their forever homes as quickly as possible.
At the time of writing, WCWT is currently caring for 20 black, and black and white, cats who have been unable to find loving families.
Joss added: “Like all rescue cats, they shouldn’t be in a pen for a day longer than they have to be.
“Our hard-working, dedicated team of volunteers and fantastic fosterers do their utmost to give them the care and love that they so desperately want.
“But ultimately there is no substitute for a safe and secure, permanent home.
“Are you saddened by their plight? We are too and would love to hear from new adopters and/or fosterers urgently.”
To find out more about the cats at WCWT, and to enquire about adopting visit: www.worthingcatwelfaretrust.org.
Got another cat already? WCWT can help you find a good match and offers professional advice about effective introductions.
No garden or live on a busy road? You may be able to help with fostering, where all costs, including food, litter and vets’ bills, are covered. For more information, email: [email protected].
See the cats for adoption below.
Joss said: "It's hard to pinpoint why these lovely cats appear to be less popular with would-be adopters.
![One-year-old Dippy is a former stray who needs a patient and loving home with an experienced adopter. He is starting to gain more trust in people and is sure to blossom into a lovely cat with time. He needs to be the only pet in the home and can live with children over ten years of age.](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjliNTRkZGQxLTcxOWMtNGZlNi1iNTc5LTQ5MjBmYzg0NWIxZDoyNTg1OWI2Yi0yNTRlLTQ1YzgtOTI5ZS04YTYyNDUzZjE3ZWU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
13. Dippy
One-year-old Dippy is a former stray who needs a patient and loving home with an experienced adopter. He is starting to gain more trust in people and is sure to blossom into a lovely cat with time. He needs to be the only pet in the home and can live with children over ten years of age. Photo: WCWT
![12-year old Sasha is described by WCWT as a 'Golden Oldie' whose elderly owners could no longer care for him. He is very friendly and relaxed, and still likes to play. Sasha needs an adult-only, quiet home without other pets, but visiting children would be okay. He is on a specialist diet to manage a health issue.](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjQ4OWNiNDg4LWZhOWEtNGY1Mi05Zjg3LWVkNjVhMDk3YzEwYTpiZjI4MGNhMC04M2FjLTRjN2MtYWIwMC0xODk3Mzc2NTI1YTA=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
14. Sasha
12-year old Sasha is described by WCWT as a 'Golden Oldie' whose elderly owners could no longer care for him. He is very friendly and relaxed, and still likes to play. Sasha needs an adult-only, quiet home without other pets, but visiting children would be okay. He is on a specialist diet to manage a health issue. Photo: WCWT
![Seven-year old Arnold arrived as a stray in dire need of medical attention. He was a bit grumpy at first, but once he had some dental work done he became a different cat, much more happy and relaxed. He is shy at first, but once he settles he is very friendly and loves attention, and his food! Arnold could live with older children in a home without other pets.](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmE5ZDEzZjMyLTI4MDQtNGQ3Yy1iMmFhLTYzZjZmNzlhZDhlNTo2NmI5Mjk5Ny1mOTVmLTQ2OGItOWRkZi00NjM2ZTE1OThjNGE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
15. Arnold
Seven-year old Arnold arrived as a stray in dire need of medical attention. He was a bit grumpy at first, but once he had some dental work done he became a different cat, much more happy and relaxed. He is shy at first, but once he settles he is very friendly and loves attention, and his food! Arnold could live with older children in a home without other pets. Photo: WCWT
![Five-year old Pinky arrived at WCWT with a companion but they weren’t getting along - since separating them, Pinky has blossomed into a very friendly, happy cat. He seems to be okay with dogs and could live with children over ten years of age.](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmQxM2UxNDRjLTZjNmUtNDQyMi04ZWQ0LWI2MTY2NzU4YjMzNDphZmIwMTExYi1hZmU0LTRlOGItYWNkNi1lNGEzZTBkYjBiODk=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
16. Pinky
Five-year old Pinky arrived at WCWT with a companion but they weren’t getting along - since separating them, Pinky has blossomed into a very friendly, happy cat. He seems to be okay with dogs and could live with children over ten years of age. Photo: WCWT