Black cats have long had to contend with unfair myths and stereotypes that unfortunately prevent them from finding the forever homes they deserve. Despite being just as lovable and well-natured as any other cat, many still see black cats as representing bad luck and are therefore “less adoptable.” If this stigma wasn’t bad enough, now black cats have to deal with yet another perceived notion…

The Moggery Centre in Bristol, UK says that they have an astonishing 40 black cats in their care because perspective adopters think darker felines photograph poorly. Yep, you read that right, black cats aren’t getting adopted because they supposedly don’t look good in selfies. WHAT!?

Christine Bayka founded The Moggery Centre 21 years ago and believes the situation has only gotten worse for black cats with the rise of social media. “Now everybody wants to take selfies and put them on Facebook. It’s a very narcissistic use of social media,” said Christine.

“It happens all the time, I will go through all the questions and say ‘are you flexible about color?’ Then they will say, ‘yes, as long as it’s not black,’ said Christine. 

The Bristol Moggery Rehoming Centre/Facebook

In an effort to help black cats, The Moggery Centre is offering free spay and neutering to all of the cats to help get them adopted. 

The Bristol Moggery Rehoming Centre/Facebook

Amy Buckle manager of the Last Chance Animal Rescue Centre echoes Christine’s thoughts. “Even when we have a litter of all black kittens, as soon as you have a fluffy ginger kitten, that’s it – people don’t want to know about the black cats,” said Amy. 

The Bristol Moggery Rehoming Centre/Facebook

Not adopting a perfectly friendly, playful, and affectionate cat because they are black and supposedly don’t show up well in photos is dumbfounding. (Not to mention, we have TONS of photographic proof that black cats are stunning in photos.) With the pet homelessness problem reaching unparalleled numbers, we must do all we can to help ALL animals. In the United States alone, there are about 70 million stray animals. Of those 70 million, only about six to eight million cats and dogs enter the nation’s 3,500 shelters every year.

Please always adopt (and consider a black cat!) next time you are looking for a feline friend. Choosing to adopt helps not only reduce the homeless pet population, as well as free up more space in a shelter for other animals who desperately need it. Fostering an animal is another great way to help animals in need!

If you agree that black cats are gorgeous and look great in selfies, please SHARE this article to help raise awareness about this important issue!

Lead Image Source: mromerorta/Pixabay