Bringing black cats out of the shadows and into loving homes

Did you know that cats come into the care of PetRescue member organisations at twice the rate of dogs? 

Cats are the front runner for species of pet available for adoption on PetRescue.com.au (representing approx. 60%), and are therefore the highest impact cohort when it comes to making a difference to homeless pets in Australia. As of right now^#, there are 4,882 cats waiting for loving homes.

You might have noticed something surprising when scrolling through the cute cat profiles on PetRescue; black cats often linger far longer than their more colourful counterparts. But why? Let’s uncover the curious case of black cats - and what we can do to help them find their new homes faster.

Susan, looking for love via Home2Home

The bigger picture: Cats are at higher risk

First, it’s important to understand that cats as a group face significant challenges when it comes to rehoming. Cats account for a staggering 70% of the estimated 100,000* healthy and rehomable pets killed each year in Australia. In many shelters and council facilities, the odds are stacked against them, with outcomes for cats being four times poorer than for dogs.

Listings for cats on PetRescue have steadily increased year-on-year, with a 32% jump in 2023 compared to the previous year, followed by a 14% rise in 2024. And while more cats finding adoption opportunities is a positive sign, it also highlights a growing challenge: how do we help the most overlooked cats find homes faster?
 

Black cats: Waiting the longest

Black cats, in particular, face a unique set of challenges. 

• Black kittens wait 10 times longer^ for adoption than kittens of other colours.
• Black adult cats spend almost twice as long in care compared to ginger or tortoiseshell cats.

But why are black cats waiting so long? The answer may lie in genetics, human perception, and even social media.

Cleo, Give a Kitty a Home

Common but overlooked

Black and tabby cats are abundant in the feline population because their coat colours are genetically dominant. This abundance may work against them when adopters seek out rarer coat colours. It’s the same principle as a limited-edition sneaker - scarcity often drives demand. Black cats are everywhere because there are simply more of them in the population, making them easier to overlook in favour of a 'unique' find. 

Sara, Robyn's Nest Animal Rescue

The photogenic factor

Ever tried to take a picture of a black cat? It’s tricky! Their dark coats often make their features harder to capture, so they don’t always stand out in adoption photos. Studies suggest that people spend more time observing cats than interacting with them compared to dogs. So, first impressions—often formed through photos—matter. For black cats, this visual disadvantage can lead to them being scrolled past in a sea of pet profiles.

Raven, SAFE Carnarvon

The good news: Creative solutions can help

It's what on the inside that counts and one thing is for certain; no two (black) cats are the same! By focusing on creative ways to highlight black cats’ unique personalities and quirks, we can give them the spotlight they deserve. 

“Pet adoption is now very popular in Australia, yet some pets struggle more than others to find a home. In a sea of thousands, all equally deserving of a chance to be loved, our goal is that no pet in need gets overlooked or goes unnoticed. We need to lean on the data to inform and guide us to make a difference on a large scale. The insights have highlighted the key areas of highest impact for pets that are looking for love on the website; helping to get them seen will be our priority.” says PetRescue Managing Director, Patima Tantiprasut. 

PetRescue has thoughtfully created the filter options on the pet search pages to encourage adopters to look beyond broad generalisations about breed or coat colours. Each cat has a unique purrsonality, and by encouraging potential adopters to forget any preconceptions they have about rescue pets, breed characteristics or even the colour of a pet's coat, we can change the narrative and open minds so that every pet, no matter what they look like, has a chance at finding a loving home. 

Black cats are just as loving and deserving of homes as any other cat. They might need a little extra boost to help them stand out, but with a collective effort, we can break the cycle and make sure no black cat is left waiting.

Want to help a black cat find love?

If you’re considering adopting, take a second look at the sleek, mysterious charm of a black cat. Not only will you gain a loyal, loving companion, but you’ll also be helping to save lives.

Start your search for a feline companion here

*Source: https://www.petrescue.com.au/library/articles/petrescue-stats-on-pets-killed-in-pounds

^Source: RSPCA Victoria

# December 2024

Banner image: Ava, Shoalhaven Animal Shelter