There is a national problem with rehoming cats of this colour and at any one time around 70 per cent of the cats in our care will be either black or black-and-white

There are a number of reasons for this, such as

• black cats are harder to ‘tell apart’ than cats with more distinctive markings, so they tend to be overlooked

• black animals tend not to photograph as well as other markings – so people may not notice them on a rehoming website

•there still is some superstitions around black cats, which could have a knock on effect.

We are genuinely puzzled as to why this still happens, but we would urge people to never judge a cat by its colour but instead look at its personality first.

Black cats, are absolutely beautiful and while they may not always take the best photos they are all gorgeous to us! Don't miss out on the affection that black cats bring

Please do come out to our RSPCA Centre to see for yourself how beautiful black cats are. Look beyond the coat, and black cats have all the charm, and charisma of their more colourful cousins. Not to mention their sleek glossy dark coats which complement their bright shining eyes, each one an individual. Black cats are just as wonderful as any other, with exactly the same needs - love and care, in a home of their own. If you enjoy the company of cats whatever their colour, please consider adopting a black cat.

One thing is certain, those who have looked 'beyond the coat' and adopted a black cat, consider themselves extremely lucky indeed!

Adopting a black cat may be lucky for you ... and it's definitely lucky for them!