Beautiful Spookipaws the cat
Black Cats Wait Longer For Adoption Due To Social Media And Superstition
1 month ago 
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On National Black Cat Day, Monday 27 October, leading animal welfare charity Battersea is once again asking the public to look beyond superstition and aesthetics and consider adopting a black cat.
Every year Battersea cares for thousands of felines of all ages, personalities, and appearance – all equally deserving of love. However, when it comes to adoption, black cats and kittens are still often being overlooked in favour of their more colourful counterparts.
Black cats face old and new prejudices. Longstanding superstitions around bad luck, together with modern concerns around them being less photogenic for social media, mean these beautiful felines are often passed over by potential owners.
Rachel Saunders, Rehoming and Welfare Manager at Battersea’s London Cattery, said: "Black cats are affectionate, loyal, and full of personality, just like any other cat, but their association with the supernatural, combined with the growing pressure for a perfect social media aesthetic, can lead to them spending longer than average in our care. Extended stays in a cattery environment can increase their stress and anxiety, making timely adoption important.”
Among Battersea's current black cats looking for homes is four-year-old Spookipaws. When Spookipaws first arrived at Battersea’s London centre, he was very nervous and spent his first week hiding in his bed. But with patience and support from Battersea’s team, Spookipaws has blossomed into a playful and affectionate companion who loves gazing out the window, chasing toys in the evening, and snuggling on a lap. Despite his gentle character, he has been waiting 142 days for a home – five times longer than the average cat.
Spookipaws isn't alone in his wait. Three-year-old Sal arrived at Battersea’s London centre in July after his owners could no longer keep him. Sal found the transition to cattery life stressful. Recognising he needed extra support, the team placed Sal with a foster carer where he was given the time and space to relax. Slowly yet surely, Sal has shown his affectionate side and sweet nature. All he needs now is a quiet home where he can feel safe and loved, but nobody has shown interest so far.
Rachel Saunders said: "Cats like Spookipaws and Sal have have so much love to give, but they need patient owners who can see beyond their coat colour. This National Black Cat Day, we're urging the public to look beyond aesthetics and preconceptions and give these special animals the chance they deserve.”
To find out more about rehoming a black cat from Battersea, visit: https://www.battersea.org.uk/
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