Meet the cats looking for homes in the North East on Black Cat Day
by Nicole Goodwin · ChronicleLiveMeet the adorable cats who deserve a loving home after a difficult time and an extensive stay in shelters.
While some have been abandoned, others have been given up by their owners for various reasons, including struggling to pay vet fees. And the sad news doesn't end there as these beautiful cats could spend longer in care due to the colour of their fur.
Data previously revealed that black and black-and-white cats can take much longer to rehome than any other coloured cat. It's why the Cats Protection charity launched Black Cat Day back in 2010, to help challenge myths that black cats are unlucky or not as photogenic for social media photos.
While the gap has now reduced, black and black-and-white cats still tend to spend an extra three days in care than other cats before being adopted, with an average stay of 51 days. Cats Protection Tyneside Cat Centre in Green Lane, Gateshead, currently has 29 black and black-and-white cats, representing 67% of the total cats in care.
This Black Cat Day (October 27) we meet some of those in care in the hope of helping them find their forever home soon.
Tinkerbell
Tinkerbell was brought to the centre in April as a stray kitten, not even six months old. She developed calicivirus, a respiratory disease, which meant she had to be put in isolation to allow her to recuperate.
She has now fully recovered, although she has also had to undergo dental surgery leaving her with only her two front teeth, which she copes with magnificently. Tinkerbell can be quite cuddly, and has developed a strong bond with a volunteer, but because of her unsettled start to life, she can be a bit temperamental, so an adult-only home is required.
Centre Manager Beni Benstead said: "Tinkerbell is just one of the many gorgeous black and black-and-white cats patiently waiting to be adopted. They still tend to be overlooked despite having just as much personality as their more colourful litter mates. Once they do get adopted, we get so many lovely messages letting us know how well they have settled in and become part of the family.
"Nobody should consider adopting a cat based solely on its colour. Our experience means we are able to match a cat to the right home based on personality, circumstances and many other factors regardless of the colour of their fur coat."
Lauren
Lauren, nine, was spotted being dumped from a car on an industrial estate and collected by volunteers. She spent her first three months in care hiding in her pen, coming out only at night to eat and use the litter tray.
It was noticed that her face twitched, which was diagnosed as partial seizures, which have been brought under control with medication. She is also takings drops for suspected osteoarthritis. Now her health problems are being treated, Lauren has turned into a sweet girl who loves a fuss and deserves to find a retirement home.
Maeve
Maeve, 11, has also been at the centre longer than anyone would like, having been given up because her owner could not afford vet costs associated with her diabetes. A special diet and regular dose of medicine keeps this under control and ensures she remains a happy and friendly feline.
Raven
Raven, three, was given up for adoption by owners who didn’t understand how to manage her spirited personality. Since being in care, this all-black beauty has been calm and happy to be stroked, but will let you know when she has had enough. Staff will be able to offer guidance on how best to settle Raven into her new home to make the transition smooth for everyone.
Beni added: "We have so many cats waiting for adoption, and an ever-growing waiting list of those needing to come into care, the quicker we can get cats adopted the sooner those who may be living in unsuitable conditions can be brought to safety. I'd urge anyone considering getting a cat to get in touch, I’m sure we can find the perfect new addition to your family."
To find out more about adoption from Cats Protection Tyneside Cat Centre visit www.cats.org.uk/tyneside
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