Why do rescue shelters struggle to rehome black and white cats?

Why do rescue shelters struggle to rehome black and white cats?

Cats are the second most popular pet in UK households. With 17% of UK residents owning a cat, there are 7.5 million happy, warm and cosy cats with supportive roofs over their ears! Did you know most cat owners live in the South West?

Some rehoming shelters rescue over 30,000 unwanted cats a year. We’re always routing for getting more help to amazing shelters and getting people to adopt, but does the colour of their coat give a cat a disadvantage?

Unfortunately, shockingly and upsettingly,  this is true. Just like a new owner can be deterred by the age of a cat, if it’s shy, nervous or FIV+ - the colour of the cat's coat can also be a factor.

Some breeds and coat colours are more susceptible to hereditary illnesses and diseases, the same with any animal. However, when adopting from a shelter, wherever possible, cats are rehomed microchipped, vaccinated and neutered. This reduces some illness risks that might not be accounted for if a cat or kitten is purchased elsewhere.

A black cat crossing your path is bad luck - It’s not true!

Nothing about the black cat is unlucky, they’re just as lucky as any cat and anyone who owns a cat, is lucky to have them!

Superstition gave the black cat it’s hard start but the digital age made it worse.

The superstition of the black cat dates back to the middle ages. When the Black Death was rife it was believed that the black cats were spreading the virus. A heartbreaking cull of as many of these cats happened and the virus spread increased making it appear like the actions the humans had taken had caused them bad luck. What actually happened was the rats were spreading the virus and by removing such a huge population of cats, the number of rats wasn’t being controlled by natural hunting.

It wasn’t that cat’s fault, it was us humans!

Unfortunately, in the modern age, the biggest reason a person turns away from adopting a black cat is because they don’t photograph as well as other coloured cats. Social media has put a great emphasis on this, but it’s not true! They photograph just as well as any other cat, it’s just about how you do it, if you do want to selfie with them.

The black coloured coat is worn by the majority of cat’s left in shelters. But this isn’t just the cats that are one colour. The black and white cats (or tuxedo cats) are also unconsidered because of their markings.

It’s heartbreaking to even consider that a cat isn’t adopted because of its fur colour. Tall, short, four legs, three legs, tabby, ginger, hairless, shy, nervous or senior. As with any animal that ends up in a rescue shelter, it’s through no fault of their own and they deserve as much of a chance as anyone else.

Find the greatest benefits to adopting by CLICKING HERE

For more ideas for keeping your cat happy and healthy, CLICK HERE

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