Daily Times

Black cats are being shunned and snubbed because people are too ‘spooked’ to give them new homes, a top animal charity said.

The RSPCA’s Suffolk East and Ipswich branch, in Martlesham, near Ipswich, currently has eight adorable black cats and kittens desperate to find caring new owners.

But centre deputy manager Rebecca Fox said, “People are too spooked by their black fur to want to take them on.”

Shocked Fox said, “All the other colours and patterns we have in the cattery get chosen in a heartbeat. But our black, shiny pearls get given the cold shoulder as some potential adopters turn a blind eye and we can’t understand why.”

She stressed, “We can only assume it’s because they are deemed unlucky as superstitious folk claim that all black cats bring ill fortune and bad health to whoever crosses their path.”

Historically, many cultures around the world have regarded black cats as symbols of evil, misfortune or witchcraft.

The early 17th century pilgrim settlers in America, for instance, treated the unfortunate creatures as part demon, part sorcery.

And they’d punish anyone caught owning one.

During the Middle Ages, superstitions led people to kill black cats.

In other cultures, however, their apparent superpowers are cast in a more positive light.

Black cats are considered good fortune in many parts of England, while in ancient Egypt the goddess Bast was personified by a black cat.

In Scotland a black cat appearing on a doorstep is said to be a sure sign of future prosperity.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, fishermen’s wives in northern Europe would seek out a black cat to ensure her husband’s safe return from sea.

In Japan many single women believe owning one will bring them a host of suitors.

But being nicknamed the Black Cats isn’t exactly working wonders for North-East football outfit Sunderland as they stare yet another relegation dogfight in the face.

They’re firmly rooted at the bottom of the Premier League with just two points and no wins from their first nine matches of the season.

As for the cats the RSPCA at Martlesham is looking to rehome, it seems doubtful if they possess supernatural abilities – good or bad. Kong, Ferdie, Daisy and Peaches, as some of them have been named, are far more interested in playing with toys than dabbling in the dark satanic arts.