black cat adoption: why black cats wait longer, and what helps
Yes, black cats really do wait longer to be adopted. In the UK, the RSPCA says black cats take three times longer to rehome than other cats. Superstition plays a part, but so do simpler things: there are far more black cats in rescue, and they're harder to photograph for adoption listings.
This Adoptober, here's why it happens, and what we can all do about it.
do black cats really wait longer to be adopted?
In the UK, the answer from the RSPCA is a clear yes. In October 2024, the charity said black and black-and-white cats were 2.7 times more likely to come into its care than tabbies, and take three times longer to rehome than other cats.
Research from elsewhere points the same way, if less dramatically. A 2020 study of nearly 8,000 cats at a US shelterfound black cats had the lowest adoption rate of any coat colour: 10%, compared with almost 19% for white cats. The researchers called the evidence for "black cat bias" weak but real, and concluded that black cats "should receive extra consideration for rehoming."
why do black cats get overlooked?
There are simply more of them. Black is one of the most common coat colours, so rescues often have far more black cats than any other colour. The RSPCA has reported 25 times more black cats in its care than white cats. When there are lots of near-identical faces, it's easy to scroll past.
They're harder to photograph. Most people now find their cat online first. A black cat in a dimly lit pen can come out as a dark shape with two eyes, while a ginger or a tabby pops off the screen.
Old superstitions. Centuries of links with bad luck and witchcraft haven't fully gone away, even if most people wouldn't admit to it.
Assumptions about personality. Research suggests people expect black cats to be less friendly. There's no evidence they are. (We dig into this in black cat personality: myths, quirks and what they're really like.)
what helps
If you're thinking of adopting:
Meet cats in person. A photo can't show you a cat who headbutts your hand through the bars. Visit, and ask the staff which cats have been waiting longest.
Ask about personality, not colour. Tell the rescue what you're looking for (a lap cat, an independent one, a cat who's fine with children) and let them match you.
Consider an older cat. Older black cats often wait longest of all. Many are calm, settled and already know how to live with people.
If you're not adopting right now:
Share black cats from rescue pages. Every share puts a dark, hard-to-photograph face in front of someone new.
Mark Black Cat Day on 27 October. Cats Protection runs it every year to give black cats a bit more of the spotlight.
Post your own black cat. Good, well-lit photos of happy black cats quietly chip away at the myths. (Tips for that are in our black cat personality post.)
where to adopt a cat in London
There are some brilliant rescues across London, and most have black cats waiting right now:
Our founder Philippa adopted Paddi from Battersea and Marge from the RSPCA, both as older cats, so we can vouch for how much love an overlooked cat has to give.
And once your new cat has settled in, our guide to leaving a new rescue cat alone covers what to do before your first trip away.
black cat adoption: quick answers
Are black cats harder to adopt? Yes. The RSPCA says black cats take three times longer to rehome than other cats.
Why are there so many black cats in rescue? Black is one of the most common coat colours, so there are more of them overall. The RSPCA has reported black and black-and-white cats are 2.7 times more likely to come into its care than tabbies.
Do black cats have a different personality? There's no good evidence for it. Personality comes down to the individual cat, not their coat.
When is Black Cat Day? In the UK, Black Cat Day is 27 October, run by Cats Protection.
Is October a good time to adopt a black cat? Any time is a good time. October brings extra attention through Adoptober and Black Cat Day, but black cats are waiting all year round.