Adopters are being urged to open their hearts to three overlooked black cats who have been waiting longer than everyone else to be chosen.
Bongo, Salem and Pipi – who are looking for homes separately – are the longest-staying residents at the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre near Middlesbrough and have collectively been in rescue for over 300 days.
It’s the latest in a long line of appeals that staff have made for black-coloured felines, who take over three times longer to find a home compared to their tabby and tortoiseshell counterparts.
Bongo and Salem arrived at the centre in March after they were rescued from a property in Tyne and Wear which was overrun with over 30 cats and kittens who were overbreeding and living in poor conditions.
The RSPCA worked in partnership with the owner, the council and the Blue Cross to rehome the cats and get them neutered, microchipped and vaccinated prior to rehoming.
Because of their past, Bongo and Salem were frightened and shut down when they first arrived at the centre and wouldn’t let people approach them. Thanks to the patience and perseverance of staff, they have started to come out of their shells and grown in confidence.
Both cats will need to go to quiet homes, preferably as the only pet, with understanding families who will let them explore and settle at their own pace.
Overlooked Pipi, three, also arrived at Great Ayton at the beginning of March. She was rescued by an RSPCA officer from County Durham suffering from severe flea allergy dermatitis and an untreated ulcer on her tongue which needed a course of steroids and antibiotics.
Staff say she was timid at first but her true character started to shine through as she returned to good health.
She is described as full of energy and loves to play, especially with her favourite yellow ball, and is looking for a home where she can be showered with love and affection by her new family.
Rehoming Supervisor, Beverley Dunn, said:
“Sadly we continue to do more rehoming appeals for them than any other coat colour. There are always more black and black and white cats in our care at any one time – and they also take much longer to rehome.
“Not only is this sad for them as they wait to be adopted, but it also means we have less space to take in other felines who need our help.
“We’d urge people to look beyond what an animal looks like, as the colour of their fur makes no difference to how much love they have to give. Bongo, Salem and Pipi won’t bring you good or bad luck but they will certainly enrich your lives.
“Our rehoming appeals for long-stay black cats have been really successful in the past and we’d urge anyone who is thinking of welcoming a rescue cat into their home, to give these three a chance.”
There are currently around 1,300 cats in RSPCA care nationally. This includes felines at the charity’s national rehoming centres and others who are at private catteries while they wait for a space at a centre or RSPCA branch facility.
On average, it takes the charity 29 days to find a home for a black cat, in comparison to nine days for grey tabbies. The RSPCA also looks after more black moggies than any other coat colour – with over 5,000 coming into its national rehoming centres since 2020.
Kittens and golden oldies normally get rehomed more quickly than middle-aged cats.
The RSPCA says the high number of black, or black and white cats, ending up in rescue, and their longer length of stay could be in part due to myths around black cats, while some people believe they don’t look as good in photos.
If you think you might be the right match for Bongo, Salem or Pippy can call 0300 123 0743, emailgreatayton@rspca.org.uk or go to the centre’s website.
The RSPCA is urging people to choose kindness this summer and make a difference for animals. By joining the charity’s Summer of Kindness, animal lovers can take on Seven Acts of Kindness that are easy, family-friendly and make a real difference.
