Hard to place black cats get help from rescue group dedicated to their cause

Rescue groups and shelters will tell you that black cats have a more difficult time getting adopted. A 2002 study by the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science conducted over nine months in a California shelter found that black cats were about half as likely to be adopted as tabby cats and two-thirds less likely than white cats.

Founders Jennifer Stott and Samantha McDuffee formally established the organization in 2008 and achieved non-profit status in 2009. Previously, they had volunteered with other shelters and feral cat trap, neuter and return (TNR) programs. The decision to start their own group also was prompted by their own experience in 2007 when they found Dottie, a black-and-white cat, who they were unable to keep. Their success in finding her a home convinced them they could undertake placing black cats on a larger scale.

Today the group has a network of about 12 foster homes. Black Cat Rescue takes in all black and black-and-white cats, which also have a difficult time getting placed, Jennifer points out. They will in an emergency take other colored cats, but try to keep their focus on the black and black-and-white kitties.

Public unaware of difficulty black cats have

Jennifer says that many people are surprised to learn that black cats have such a hard time finding forever homes. Educating a sympathetic public to the problem helps increase adoption potential.

Most adoptions are arranged online through Black Cat Rescue’s use of adoption profile matching system. Jennifer coordinates the adoptions when an application comes in and then the potential adopter schedules a visit with the kitty at the foster’s home.

Black Cat Rescue receives calls from shelters asking for advice on the best way to ‘market’ their black cats. They tell them:

• Get some good pictures
• Focus on personality
• Organize special black cats adoption events
• Let people know the problem black cats are facing

Black Cat Rescue has placed over 75 cats in since the organization has gotten off the ground. With a growing reputation and the great PR they are doing for black cats, they expect those numbers to climb.

If you would like to know more about Black Cat Rescue and find out more about the beautiful cats in their care or become a foster, go to:www.petfinder.com/shelters/MA378.html . You also can join their growing membership of Facebook Fans at http://www.facebook.com/blackcatrescue.

For more information on Lyuba featured above, go to: http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/15862492

Barb Kohn is a communications consultant. She has a passion for the welfare of animals and has volunteered with many San Francisco Bay Area rescue and shelter organizations, including Homeless Cat Network, Peninsula Fix Our Ferals, Pets in Need and Furry Friends Rescue. She also is the National Cats Examiner for the Examiner.com.