The RSPCA in North Yorkshire is appealing for homes for three black cats who the charity thinks are being continually overlooked because of their colour.
The young male trio called Humbug, Sweetie Pie and Nico, who arrived separately, have collectively been in the care of the charity’s Great Ayton Animal Centre for 723 days.
All three have been nursed back to health after they were rescued by RSPCA officers.
Around 75 per cent of the cats being looked after at the Yarm Lane centre at any one time are black or black and white, and it takes over three times longer for them to be adopted.
One of the three longest stays is Nico, who is black with white markings, who arrived at the beginning of November after he was rescued from the Middlesbrough area by an RSPCA officer. He was emaciated and suffering from a severe flea allergy which had left him covered in scabs and sores.
The three-year-old feline was so hungry when he arrived that he would desperately snatch food because he was unsure where his next meal would be coming from. Over time he has calmed down and staff say he has a lovely temperament and enjoys a fuss and a play but he is also an independent cat who likes to do his own thing. One of his favourite pastimes is batting a ping pong ball around the cattery.
Nico’s coat and skin have dramatically improved with medication and he is now a healthy weight. He could live in a pet-free household with older children who will appreciate the need to take things slowly and give him lots of space.
Humbug and Sweetie Pie, who are both two, came into the rehoming centre just before Christmas. They were also rescued by RSPCA officers as injured strays in the Stockton and Gateshead areas respectively.
Humbug, had a badly swollen leg and foot which required x-rays and pain relief. He has now fully recovered and loves playing with toys and enjoying the luxury of having his very own comfy bed.
Sweetie Pie (below), was limping and also needed veterinary treatment for a leg injury. He’s a big cat who, like Humbug, loves a fuss and a cuddle but is equally happy to go off and have a snooze, an explore and some time by himself. Both cats could also possibly live with older children who will respect their space.
“All three cats were on the streets with serious health issues but with the right care, some good food, a warm place to sleep and lots of TLC they have come on in leaps and bounds.
“They all enjoy a fuss and will take a treat from you, they just need understanding owners who are going to give them time and space to settle in, explore and get to know you at their own pace.”
“We adore black cats here but sadly we do more rehoming appeals for them than any other coat colour. There are overwhelmingly more of them in our care at any one time – and they always take longer to rehome.
“Not only is this sad for them as they wait to be adopted, but it also means we have less space to take in other felines who need our help.”
Cattery Supervisor Beverley Dunn
Nico, Humbug and Sweetie Pie weren’t microchipped – which is now a legal requirement once cats reach 20 weeks old – so it’s not known if any of them were previously owned or how they came to be living on the streets.
On average, it takes the RSPCA 29 days to find a black cat a home, in comparison to nine days for grey tabbies. There are also more black and black and white cats in the RSPCA’s care than any other coat colour – with over 5,000 coming into its national rehoming centres since 2020.
The charity says the high number of black, or black and white felines ending up in rescue centres and their longer length of stay could be in part due to myths around black cats, while some people believe they don’t look as good in photos.
For more information about Nico, Humbug and Sweetie Pie call 0300 123 0743, email [email protected] or go to the centre’s website.
The RSPCA has launched its summer appeal to help rescue more cats like these – if you can help please donate here.
