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.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Black cats make up nearly half of Battersea cats
Black cats make up nearly 43 per cent of all feline admissions.

Charity attempts to dispel myths ahead of National Black Cat Day 

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home takes in nearly twice as many black cats as any other colour, the charity has revealed.

Black cats make up nearly 43 per cent of all feline admissions, compared to other colours - such as ginger, that accounted for just seven per cent of cats at Battersea last year.

The charity believes black cats are less popular because they don’t look as good in photos and they are traditionally thought to be bad luck.

Battersea is using National Black Cat Day (27 October) to celebrate these oft-overlooked pets and dispel some of the myths associated with them.

Black cats currently waiting for a new home include 12-year-old Tiger-Lily, who has been at Battersea for 48 days, more than twice the average length of stay. Meanwhile, lap cat Terry has been at the Old Windsor cattery for 52 days.

Head of catteries Rob Young said: “Some people believe that black cats all look the same or that they do not look as good in photographs and will therefore overlook them in favour of a Tabby or Tortoiseshell.

"All cats deserve a second chance and we hope that anyone planning to adopt will consider changing a black cat’s luck and give it a loving home.”

Image © Battersea

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

Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com