Appeal to rehome two black cats still in rescue centre 330 days after rescue from County Durham home

Staff at an animal rescue centre have issued an appeal after two "unlucky" black cats have spent 330 days awaiting adoption after they were rescued from a home in County Durham.

Black cats Flash and Archie have been at the RSPCA's Great Ayton Animal Centre in County Durham for almost 11 months, longer than any other animals at the centre. They were rescued after they were found in unsuitable conditions along with eight other cats at a property last September.

Both had received inadequate care and socialisation and were petrified of humans when they first arrived. After months of rehabilitation from staff and volunteers, Flash and Archie now enjoy a fuss and a cuddle.

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Despite their progress, there's been next to no interest from potential adopters - with the two cats searching to be rehomed separately. Flash has had no-one come to see her at the centre and Archie has had one visit from potential adopters, who chose another cat.

Staff at the centre believe their colour could be why they are continuing to be overlooked. The RSPCA say that on average it takes 29 days to find a home for a black cat, in comparison to just nine days for their more "popular" grey tabby counterparts.

Black cats are also often associated with superstition and some people believe they are unlucky, while other claims they don't look as good in photos. Staff at the centre hope by launching an appeal for Flash and Archie, they will both find their perfect match, just as it did for long-stay black cats Eddie and Lola.

Flash is thought to be around two years old, has been spayed, and could live with secondary-aged children but would prefer to be the only pet. Archie is around ten, and will need a patient adopter with a gentle approach to gain his trust in a pet free, adult-only household.

Beverley Dunn, cattery supervisor, said: "Flash and Archie were living in a multi-cat household, it was very much a free for all, and as a result they were under-socialised and very wary of humans. Flash in particular was petrified, she was also covered in fleas and scabs, so it’s been quite a journey for her from both a physical and mental point of view.

"She’s an amazing girl who really enjoys a fuss and a cuddle and she’ll now come straight over and get on your knees. She’s come on so much in our care and is a firm favourite with everyone here.

"Archie is a shy but sweet boy who enjoys sitting in his outside yard and watching the world go by. He was so scared when he first arrived and just hid away from us all.

"But slowly he’s gained confidence and his personality has shone through. If you sit with him he’ll come and take treats from you and he has the biggest purr and meow you can imagine.

"The fact that black and black and white cats take longer to rehome is nothing new to us, it’s something we see time and time again, but we’d urge people to look beyond what an animal looks like as the colour of their fur makes no difference to how much love they have to give. Flash and Archie have come such a long way from the scared and timid characters that arrived through our doors nearly 11 months ago."