NI’s black cats ‘no longer overlooked’ in rehoming centres after shedding ‘unlucky’ stereotypes

National Black Cat Day on October 27 was launched by Cats Protection in response to the statistics that black and black-and-white cats took, on common, seven days longer to discover a home in comparison with cats of different colors.

Cats Protection Belfast Adoption Centre deputy supervisor, Rachael Robinson (33), has witnessed a change in perspective amongst individuals from Northern Ireland.

“I think we have a lot to celebrate this Black Cat Day,” she says.

“It’s 13 years since Cats Protection started the awareness day back in 2010 and we now see that black and black-and-white cats are no longer overlooked as they once were as a result.

“The awareness day was started by Cats Protection as a response to the discovery that black cats took longer to rehome than other cats. However, they now spend 11 days less on average in care before being rehomed. This is amazing news, as black and black-and-white cats make up around 44% of all the cats rehomed through Cats Protection’s centres.”

Far from being a harbinger of dangerous luck, the Bangor lady would argue the alternative is true:

“Among the ideas challenged have been that black cats have been seen as unlucky, associated with the supernatural or are not photogenic in selfies,” Rachael says.

“All of which are nonsense in my opinion. Indeed, I have equally heard it said that black cats are harbingers of good luck, health and money. Sailors traditionally kept black cats at home to protect them whilst at sea, and a black cat entering your home or crossing your path foretold of prosperity in home and business life.

“I think black cats have always had a certain air of mystery around them due to their likeness to their big cat counterparts – the wild panther. However, I view this as a positive attribute. Who wouldn’t want their own mini panther?”

The Belfast Adoption Centre’s main focus is to assist cats in want, whether or not they’re stray, deserted or homeless, the charity goal is to offer short-term take care of them till they supply a loving ceaselessly home.

Run by a passionate crew of cat lovers, the organisation is devoted to enhancing the lives of kittens and cats, in addition they provide assist with neutering, and misplaced and located animals.

“We also promote awareness and information around good cat welfare by helping people to see the world through a cat’s eyes,” Rachael says.

“Last year alone, the Belfast Adoption Centre helped to match 438 cats with their forever homes. In 2023 to date, we’ve rehomed 356 cats and kittens into loving homes. The cats adopted from the centre are vet health checked, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and flea and worm treated before they go to their new family.”

Making a distinction to the lives of feline mates and their homeowners throughout Northern Ireland, is a rewarding expertise, Rachael says:

“I am very fortunate to work in a job that I love. I enjoy being able to provide care and a safe environment for vulnerable cats who have been relinquished into the adoption centre for a diverse range of reasons.

“As a team of volunteers and employees, we help cats that have been seized through NI animal welfare, and cats that have been relinquished due to homelessness, financial hardship, domestic abuse, abandonment and more.

“Without a doubt, the best part of my job is when the cats are matched to their forever homes. It’s fair to say that no two days are the same. I love making a difference to cats and to people in our local community.”

Amongst these awaiting adoption for the time being on the Belfast centre, are Helen of Troy, Benny and Alex.

“Handsome Benny is approximately three and half years old,” Rachael says.

“Benny came into our care as a homeless stray who had been sheltering under shrubs in a member of public’s garden. He can be shy at first but as his confidence develops, he is friendly and playful.

“Six-year-old Helen of Troy was relinquished into our care at the start of August, due to the cost-of-living crisis. Helen is a very loving and affectionate cat. She would make a great addition to any home.

“Little eight-week-old kitten Alex was rescued from inside a car engine with a nasty deglove skin injury to his lower jaw. Cats Protection’s vets were thankfully able to stitch the wound and nurse Alex back to health. He isn’t quite ready for his forever home yet, but will make some lucky person a smashing feline companion in time.”

In addition to Alex, Benny and Helen Of Troy, Cats Protection Belfast Adoption Centre at the moment have 35 black or black-and-white cats and kittens in care, ranging in age from 4 weeks to 10 years old.

“We generally do notice a tendency for black cats to be overlooked in the centre for their more fancifully coloured neighbours,” Rachael says.

“However, as a result of the awareness promoted by Black Cat Day, over the last five years we’ve seen a reduction in the length of stay for black or black and white cats in our care by 21% – it has gone from 47 days to 36.”

Although they’re usually missed, monochrome moggies have simply as a lot persona as their vibrant litter mates, the deputy supervisor argues. She encourages anybody who’s excited about adopting a cat – whether or not they’re black or in any other case – to take a look on the centre’s web site for extra particulars.

For people who find themselves not in a position to undertake, there are sponsorship alternatives available.

“We do have a sponsor cat – currently Thomas – at the Belfast Adoption Centre who can be sponsored for as little as £6 a month to help towards shelter, food and veterinary care,” Rachael says.

“Sponsors will receive a lovely welcome pack and regular updates from their sponsor cat as a thank you. We also gladly accept donations and gifts via our Amazon Wishlist to help us to help more cats.

“We would also love to extend an invite out to readers to attend the centre’s upcoming Christmas Craft Fair at the centre on December 2, 2023. There will be live music, hot food, refreshments, homemade crafts, a fundraising raffle, and cats of course.”

For extra info, go to www.cats.org.uk/belfast, see @cpbelfast on Facebook, name 028 9048 0202, or electronic mail [email protected]