AN animal charity has claimed it has seen an ‘unlucky rise’ in the number of black cats needing a new home.

The Blue Cross adoption centres in Burford and Lewknor has seen the number of black cats looking for a home in Oxfordshire leap from 775 in 2010, to 892 so far this year.

Jess Hollis, animal welfare assistant at the Lewknor Blue Cross adoption centre, said they wanted to use Halloween as a timely reminder that these cats need homes too.

She said: “It is harder to re-home black cats than others and we do see them being left in the cattery while those around them find new homes.

“People associate black cats with witches, spells, bad luck and dark magic but they can also be symbols of good luck, mystery and beauty.

“But in reality black cats are just that – black cats.”

To find out more about adopting a cat from Burford call 0300 777 1570 or call the adoption centre in Lewknor on 0300 777 1500.