Homeless Cats More Likely to be Black-and-White, new Figures Show

HAYWARDS HEATH, England - More black-and-white cats are taken in by charity Cats Protection than
any other colour, new figures show.

Statistics from the charity’s four largest UK adoption centres show that
the most common colour of homeless cat during 2008 was black-and-white.

White cats were the least likely to be handed in to the charity, which
re-homes more than 52,000 stray or unwanted cats every year.

The figures come from the charity’s four largest adoption centres in
Birmingham, Bridgend, the Isle of Wight and Sussex and show the colours of
all cats arriving during 2008.

During the year, the following numbers of cats were taken in at the four
centres:

1. Black-and-white: 1355
2. Tabby: 1201
3. Black: 841
4. Tortoiseshell: 490
5. Ginger: 440
6. Grey: 156
7. Tabby/tortoiseshell mix: 115
8. White: 96
9. Other: 160

Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity, caring for around 6,500
cats at any one time through a network of 252 volunteer-run branches and 29
adoption centres.

Director of Veterinary Services Maggie Roberts said: “These figures give
a glimpse as to what colour cats are most likely to be handed into our
volunteer-run branches and adoption centres.

“We do see a lot more black-and-white or black cats than others,
basically because they are much more common in the UK than other colours.

“The unfortunate thing for these cats is that not only do we have more of
them coming in, they are also much harder to find homes for. They often get
overlooked by prospective owners who would rather adopt a more unusual
colour, like ginger or pedigree cats which are very popular.

“Our volunteer-run branches and adoption centres can really struggle to
find homes for black-and-white and black cats which is a shame as they have
just as much love to give as any other cat.”

Famous black-and-white cats include:

Jess

Postman Pat’s devoted black-and-white cat who accompanies him on his
adventures in the long-running children’s TV show.

Humphrey

Stray cat who moved into 10 Downing Street in 1989 during Margaret
Thatcher’s premiership. Humphrey, dubbed the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet
Office, prowled the corridors of power before being retired to a new home
shortly after Labour clinched the 1997 election.

Socks

Chelsea Clinton’s black-and-white cat Socks became America’s “First Cat”
after Bill Clinton became president in 1993. Socks lived at the White House
with the Clintons until 2001.

Sylvester

Lisping Looney Tunes cartoon character and arch enemy of Tweetie Pie.

The Cat in the Hat

Mischievous cat wearing a tall, red and white striped hat who features in
Dr Seuss’ classic children’s book.

To find out more about adopting a cat from Cats Protection, please visit
www.cats.org.uk or telephone the charity’s Helpline on
+44(0)8702-099-099.

Notes to Editors:

1. Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and helps
157,000 cats and kittens each year through a national network of 252
volunteer-run branches and 29 adoption centres.

2. The figures quoted refer to four of the charity’s largest adoption
centres at Birmingham, Bridgend, Isle of Wight and Sussex, during 2008.

3. Cats Protection’s vision is to ensure that every cat is given the
chance of a life where it will be treated with kindness and an understanding
of its needs.

4. Founded as the Cats Protection League in 1927, the charity adopted the
name Cats Protection in 1998. We ask that you use the name Cats Protection
when referring to the charity in all published material.

5. More information about the work of Cats Protection can be found at
www.cats.org.uk

Source: Cats Protection

To find out more about adopting a cat from Cats Protection, please visit https://www.cats.org.uk or telephone the charity’s Helpline on +44(0)8702-099-099. For more information, please contact Cats Protection’s Media Office on media.office at cats.org.uk or +44(0)1825-741911.