Abandoned: Duke is now seeking his forever home
Now in its fourth year, National Black Cat Day aims to raise awareness of the many unwanted black and black-and-white moggies in Cats Protection’s care, most of which wait around a week longer to be adopted than their more colourful counterparts.
To help raise awareness of the many black cats in need, the charity is encouraging people to enter its National Black Cat Day competition to win a professional photoshoot, which starts on Monday 6 October.
“Black and black-and-white cats make up around half of all the cats in our care – and sadly they wait much longer to find their forever home than the average cat,” said Gemma Smith, Cats Protection’s Digital Communications Officer.
“They are just as loving and fun as torties and tabbies and will make the perfect addition to any home so now it’s time for us to stand up and show our support for them. If you love cats just as much as we do, why not consider adopting a black cat, entering our competition or taking part in our campaign.”
To enter the competition cat lovers are being asked to take a photo of their beloved black rescue cat and upload it to Cats Protection’s Facebook page, alongside their adoption story.
The charity will shortlist its favourites and will be asking Facebook fans to get voting by liking their preferred selfie and story.
The photo with the most votes will be crowned National Black Cat Day Champion and will win a professional photoshoot, as well as the honour of becoming the ‘poster cat’ for future rehoming appeals.
The fun doesn’t stop there, however, and there are many different ways to take part on and around the day. More information can be found on Cats Protection’s website, blog and social profiles and by following the #CPBlackCats and #BlackCatSelfie hashtags.
Those interested in adopting a black or black-and-white cat can log on to www.cats.org.uk/black-cats or call the charity’s helpline on 03000 12 12 12.
Duke (with Cats Protection’s Taunton and Wellington Branch)
Found injured in a hedge following a road traffic accident, the future seemed very bleak for Duke. He was taken to the vet by a kind member of the public, which is when we were asked to take him in. He has such a lovely personality that we couldn’t refuse, although we knew that his recovery would be long and expensive.
Duke was referred for specialist surgery to a veterinary practice in Exeter, where he was found to have three fractures to his pelvis. The top of his femur was also smashed and has been removed. Duke’s recovery has been trouble free and he has borne the restrictions of his cage rest with great patience. He has regained full use of his leg and can now climb and jump but the pen which kept him safe for three months is now starting to feel like a prison to him.
Cats Protection’s Taunton and Wellington Branch is therefore seeking a very special home for this lovely two-year-old boy. He is very affectionate, loves cuddles and playing with his toys, loves to investigate what you are doing, and would make a wonderful companion, especially for someone who is at home for at least part of the day, as he likes lots of interaction. He has also made it clear that he would not take to being an indoor cat, so a nice garden would be lovely, with no other pets, and it is most important that he should be as far as possible from a busy road. Life with a mature family would also suit him, although not for anyone with mobility problems as he is very quick on his feet.
Duke has been neutered, microchipped and vaccinated and is in very good health. He is a slim cat with green eyes and an oriental appearance. Please call 08452 602 397 or email tandwcats@gmail.com if you would like to learn more about him.