Black kitten in need of some good luck
SURELY no one could be spooked by this little black feline on Halloween?
The tiny bundle of fluff is one of several black cats and kittens awaiting new homes at Woodside Animal Sanctuary in Elfordleigh.
Hundreds of years ago owning a black cat could have had you sentenced to death.
And a fear of bad luck combined with old superstitions means dark moggies take six times longer to re-home, say Woodside bosses.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
The Plymouth home says they have always had a problem re-homing black cats in particular.
Founder of the centre, Carole Bowles MBE, said: "It is becoming even more noticeable that these cats are not being chosen as quickly as any other colour.
"On average a ginger or tabby cat will go to a new home six times faster, and this includes kittens too.
"There are many myths that surround black cats and we do wonder if this influences people's choice. The myth that they are bad luck seems to have started around 400 years ago, could it really be still affecting people?"
Negative attitudes toward black cats more than likely finds its origin shortly after the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock. Black cats were seen as companion animals to witches. In fact, any person found with such a cat in their possession was subject to severe punishment or even death.
Ms Bowles added: "We would much prefer it if people followed the footsteps of those who believed the opposite and that black cats are in fact good luck instead. For anyone looking for a cat, then please do visit us at the sanctuary.
"We would urge people to think about personality over looks when making their choice. So many of our black cats and kittens have such wonderful characters and will make brilliant companions."
The sanctuary can be contacted on 01752 347503, phones are answered every day between 11am and 5pm. Most of the animals looking for new homes can be seen on the sanctuary's website www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk.
Meanwhile, Devon and Cornwall Police have reminded residents who don't want any spooky visitors this Halloween of their 'No Trick' No Treat' poster campaign.
It allows those uninterested in the tradition to opt out by means of a clear poster message.
The bright orange posters bearing the words No Trick, No Treat, No Thanks are being delivered to residents in different areas by neighbourhood teams over the next few weeks. Residents can also collect them from the city's police stations.
Sarah German, Plymouth Crime Prevention Officer, said: "We would ask those out celebrating to respect those people who put up these polite signs."
Comments
by Grinder
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 5:32PM
“Black kittens for Halloween and puppies for Christmas eh? And when Halloween is over the cat's back out on it's ear and Woodside Animal Sanctuary is moaning that they've got it back again. Using Halloween to promote black kittens is not a very good idea is it.”
by trudie2010
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 2:58PM
“I had my last black cat for 18 years, and I now have a black kitten, I think they are the best looking cats, all shiny and cute, and very affectionate. XYZplymouth, I too only feed Iams and have yearly vet checks, seems like that is the secret to a contented long lived cat. My 18 year old who passed away last year never had to go to the vet for an illness, just one tooth out, and died at home of old age. I would like to point out that all my cats, past and present are indoor cats.”
by Kwacker10R
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 2:44PM
“Consider this: tapeworms, fleas, eye disease, vets bills, cat **** in your/neighbours garden. Cat **** on your kitchen worktops, need I go on?”
by DoctorT
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 2:26PM
“"We would urge people to think about personality over looks when making their choice. So many of our black cats and kittens have such wonderful characters and will make brilliant companions."
Anthropomorphic twaddle!”
by HStar
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 12:20PM
“I have a 9 year old black cat, she is a lil scatty, but so friendly to those she trusts, she is also very eligant. I have had her since a kitten it took alot of persistence and patience but she is worth it :) love black cats”
by XYZplymouth
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 9:50AM
“I have had many black cats and they are the most loving cats I have ever had and I have had many. Both female and male make excellent pets and actually have outlived all my other cats which were of various colours - my current two, one is 17 and the other is 13 (the 13 year old I got as a six week old kitten from Woodside too)and both are still in good health but I do only feed them IAMS and they are taken to the vet regularly.”
by Jannercide
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 9:42AM
“Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww”
by jannerGIRL
Wednesday, October 31 2012, 8:31AM
“I have a black cat and would always choose a black cat - beautiful and eligant always.”