There are many tell-tale signs of a home with a cat; cat toys strewn across the floor, cosy boxes and beds in every room and of course a sprinkling of cat fur on the soft furnishings.

Every year on 27 October, we celebrate the black and black-and-white cats who are so often overlooked for adoption, just because of their colour. National Black Cat Day brings monochrome moggies into the spotlight, showing that they have just as many head bumps and purrs to give as their colourful counterparts.

In 2018, black-and-white cat Tasha was finally offered a forever home after spending a year in the care of Cats Protection’s Gateshead & Newcastle Branch. In return, the three-year-old moggy has enriched the life of her new owner Phil Sherry, by helping him with his mental health struggles.

Black-and-white cat Jessie was one of the first cats to arrive at Cats Protection’s newly established Richmond Branch and has left a lasting impression on the volunteers who cared for her.

For Hazel Parkyn, cat Walter is a lifeline, warning her when she’s about to suffer a diabetic attack. Hazel was left with PTSD, head injury seizures and auto immune conditions, including type 1 diabetes, after she was attacked by a patient while working as a psychiatric nurse.

If you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night to see two glowing eyes staring at you from you across the room, you might think you’ve found yourself in a horror movie.

Shirley Ann, from Dalry in Scotland, feel less lonely following the death of her closest friend, all thanks to her cat Boots. Shirley Ann was devastated when, in November 2013, a suicide attempt left her best friend permanently paralysed and hospitalised for 18 months.

Blogger and cat lover Aimee Wilson explains how cats are more than just pets, they’ve helped her cope through mental health struggles and a hospital stay.

Skittles stuck by her owner Lianne Loveridge through the toughest of times, so when she passed away at 11 years old, a big hole was left in her home and heart.

When it comes to helping you find your perfect match, here at Cats Protection we really do our research. We’ll assess your personal preferences, your living situation and your daily routine to find you the ideal companion.