Black cats take three times longer to rehome

Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.

Your data on MRCVSonline

Your privacy

The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

Google Analytics (Performance)

MRCVSonline uses Google Analytics to track which articles/features are most popular, so we can focus on these areas to improve the user experience.

Google analytics places four cookies on your browser (_utma, _utmb, _utmc, _utmt, _utmv, _utmz).

Google's cookie policy can be found here.

If you allow Google Analytics MRCVSonline will place a cookie named 'allowAnalytics'.
The 'allowAnalytics' cookie only contains the value 'YES' and will expire every 365 days.
The cookie will be forced to expire if you disable Google Analytics.

Allow Google Analytics Off

MRCVS user - (Strictly necessary)

The 'MRCVSuser' cookie is used to determine if you have logged into the website.

Logging into the website allows certain privileged features, for example, single click recording of CPD time. This cookie is destroyed each time you close your browser.

Preferences - (Strictly necessary)

The 'savedDataPreferences' cookie is set once you click 'Accept All', 'Reject Non Essential' or 'Save & Exit'.

The 'savedDataPreferences' cookie is only used to prevent you from being asked about your data preferences every time you visit a page.

The cookie will only contain the value 'YES' and will expire every 365 days.

PHPSESSID - (Strictly necessary)

The 'PHPSESSID' cookie is used to store your session ID.

Your session ID is used to allow interactions between the MRCVSonline website and your browser, necessary during account login and form submissions.

iPad app - (Functionality)

If the website is viewed on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, the user will be offered the functionality of the iOS application that we have developed.

If the user would like to view the website instead, a cookie will be placed with the value='1' with a month expiry date.
This will be used to check if the user would prefer to visit the website instead.

Third Party

To support our journalism, MRCVSonline will, from time to time, link YouTube videos, as well as use social media such as Facebook or Twitter.

MRCVSonline cannot control these cookies from outside sources and we advise you to check with the relevant third party for more information..

Posted: 19th August 2024

Black cats take three times longer to rehome

Moomin, who's been in the care of RSPCA Danaher Animal Home for more than 30 days, is among the cats looking for a new home.

Statistics released to coincide with Black Cat Appreciation Day.

The RSPCA has revealed that it can take three times longer to rehome black cats compared to other cats.

In figures released for Black Cat Appreciation Day (17 August), the charity revealed that it takes an average of 29 days to rehome a black cat. In comparison, it only takes an average of nine days for a grey tabby cat to find a new home.

Dominika Jagoda, RSPCA pet welfare expert, said: “Whether people consider them to be unlucky or think they don’t look good in photos, the truth is that black cats won’t bring you bad luck - but they do need forever homes! The colour of an animal’s fur makes no difference to how much love they have to give.”

Image © RSPCA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course relaunched

The VMD has announced dates for its next Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course.

The event will relaunch on Thursday, 23 October 2025 from 9am to 5pm and will be delivered through an interactive online session.

It is open for anyone involved in a veterinary dispensary role, whether they are new to the topic or looking for a refresh. Attendees will receive vital insights into the safe and compliant handling of veterinary medicines.

The course can be booked online for £495.

Click here for more...

Vaccination scheme halves sheep lameness in Wales
15th July 2025

Study reveals new findings into nesting deaths
15th July 2025

Puppies needed for Dogs Trust research
15th July 2025

WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet
15th July 2025

Lemurs experience ageing differently to humans, researchers say
14th July 2025

WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.