Nothing to be scared of with re-homing a black cat, according to Little Irchester charity

A charity is urging people to forget the superstitions and not dismiss black cats when it comes to choosing a new family pet.

Animals In Need in Little Irchester regularly sees black cats left in the cattery while their fellow felines of a different colour are quickly snapped up.

While it comes as no surprise to them, they'd love to dispel the myths.

They want more people to realise there's nothing to be afraid of when it comes to re-homing a black cat, especially as it approaches Halloween when black cats often feature in the seasonal celebrations alongside witches, ghosts and ghouls.

Annie Marriott from the charity said: "Here at Animals In Need we have got used to hearing so many excuses about not adopting black cats, ranging from the old superstition that they bring bad luck to the laughable comment that their faces are expressionless!

"We have absolutely no idea what makes black cats so undesirable, we have met many different characters over the years.

"They are just as cute, cuddly, chatty and cheeky as any of the other 'popular' colours that people make a beeline for.

"We re-home over 300 cats and kittens each year, and our cattery is usually half filled with black or black and white felines.

"There is certainly a trend for people that turn up with baskets of black kittens, admitting they have managed to sell their more desirable siblings already."

So could you be the proud owner of one of the black cats currently being looked after by the volunteers at Animals In Need?

Annie said: "Despite the strange year we have had so far, we are still re-homing cats and kittens, although we have had to adapt our adoption process so as to abide by government restrictions.

"We are currently allowing visitors strictly by appointment only, but the re-homing figures are still in line with other years.

"The biggest impact Covid has had on the charity is that our events have all been cancelled so we have had to look at alternative ways to fundraise in order to be able to cover our outgoings including vet bills, food and heating costs.

"We do have a fantastic support network though - local businesses and the general public are always happy to help us out, they know how hard the team work at rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing the hundreds of animals and birds that come through our gates each year.

"We hope to soon find 'purr-fect' homes for each and every one of the fabulous felines in our care, no matter what age or colour, they all deserve a second chance in a loving home."

For more details about the charity click here.

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