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Black cats more likely to enter RSPCA care
Black and black and white cats are nearly three times more likely to enter RSPCA care than tabby cats.
Black cats also take longer to be rehomed, charity reveals.

As National Black Cat Day (27 October) approaches, the RSPCA has revealed that black and black and white cats are more likely to enter its care than other cats.

Data released by the RSPCA shows that they are 2.7 times more likely to come into the charity's care than tabby cats. There are also 626 per cent more black cats than ginger cats in the RSPCA's care and 25 times more black than white cats.

In total, there are 676 black and black and white cats being cared for at the RSPCA's national centres.

The charity also recently revealed that black cats take three times longer to rehome than other cats.

Alice Potter, RSPCA cat welfare expert, said: “There are overwhelmingly more black and black and white cats in our care than any other coat colour - and they also take much longer to rehome, which sadly means they are staying in rescue centres for much longer periods.

“Not only is this sad for the cats who are patiently waiting for their second chance at happiness but it also means that there are limited spaces to help new cats because our centres are full of black cats which sadly no one wants to adopt.”

The RSPCA is currently experiencing what it calls a ‘rehoming crisis’. Last year, the charity took in 42 per cent more animals than were rehomed.

In response, it has relaunched its Adoptober campaign to encourage people to adopt a pet from a rescue centre rather than buying one from a breeder.

Ms Potter added: “We don’t know for sure why black cats are more likely to end up in rescue centres and are then overlooked by prospective adopters. It could be because there are more black cats than any other colour in the cat population so cats with different colours and patterns tend to stand out to adopters - but we hope many of them find their loving new forever homes this Adoptober.  

“We know some people also consider them unlucky or associate them with superstition, or even think they don’t look good in Instagram photos, but, in reality, they are just like any other cat who needs a loving home.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.