Black cats have historically had a bad rap, and in the modern day there are countless numbers of them waiting in shelters for a home.
The reasons there are so many black and tuxedo cats without a home are senseless - everything from a lingering association they are bad luck to the perception that they are difficult to photograph for a social media generation.
As a result, many beautiful black cats have been left to linger in cat shelters.
In fact, black, and black and white cats make up 47 per cent of cats in RSPCA care, more than five times the number of ginger cats.
Yet despite being the most common, black cats also face longer waits for adoption.
On average, black cats stay in care for 71 days, and black-and-white cats for 69 days.
Alice Potter, RSPCA cat welfare expert, said: “Black cats are still being overlooked in rescue centres, often due to outdated superstitions and the myth that they bring bad luck. Sadly, they’re also sometimes seen as less ‘photogenic’ for social media, which can affect adoption interest.
“But the truth is, black cats are just as affectionate, playful and full of personality as any other cat.”
These 23 gorgeous cats are waiting for their luck to change in shelters across South Yorkshire - take a look through our gallery below and see if you can bring one home with you for Halloween.
13. Jimmy & Lois
"Jimmy and Lois are a bonded pair with very different personalities. Jimmy is more confident and friendly, while Lois prefers to keep her distance from people (but loves to be around Jimmy). They came from a home that had far too many cats, so many that the younger cats (like Lois - 1.5 y old) did not get the socialisation that they needed when they were kittens. They are definitely bonded, they groom each other often, are very good at sharing their food, play together and chase each other all over when they have the zoomies! They are a lovely pair, very distinct and different personalities, and someone will be very lucky to have them! They would suit a home with someone who wants more independent cats, and can appreciate how very amusing and fun they are to be around." - https://eur03d.sheltermanager.com/service?account=rh2381&method=animal_view&animalid=1272&template=animalview | Sheffield Cats Shelter
14. Poppy and Ani
"Ani and Poppy came to us from a home that was struggling to cope with the number of cats within it. These little ones sadly didn't get as much positive handling when they were in their formative weeks, so they are understandably a little fearful of change and new humans, however once settled and with time to gain trust with their new family, they will make wonderful companions. These little ladies will need someone patient, who won't mind if they never become lap cats, but will still put in the effort to make friends in the girls' own time." - https://eur03d.sheltermanager.com/service?account=rh2381&method=animal_view&animalid=1260&template=animalview | Sheffield Cats Shelter
15. Mandy
" Mandy came to us after her owner sadly passed away. We can tell that Mandy has been loved and adored by her previous owner and want to find her that kind of home again! Since arrival Mandy has been a delight to care for! She walked right in and owned her space making friends with anyone and everyone she could! She is a fussy and friendly girl who loved a chat and that really enjoys her human company and will make a lovely companion for a lucky family." - https://www.rspca.org.uk/local/sheffield-branch/findapet/details/MANDY/BSA2142768/rehome | RSPCA
16. Mickey, Pluto and Goofy
"Meet Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto — our sweet yet very nervous little trio. We’re looking for loving, patient homes for these three, who find the big, wide world a little stressful and sometimes quite scary. This trio would need to be rehomed separately from each other, but ideally into homes that already have a friendly, loving and confident cat. Due to their nature, these guys would need to live in a dog-free and quiet, adult-only home." | RSPCA