THEY may be regarded as good luck by some – but it appears many people find black cats are just too run-of-the-mill.

Charity bosses believe that, along with the black-and-white varieties, many potential owners find them “boring” and simply pass them by.

Two-thirds of the cats now being housed at the Blue Cross centre at Topcliffe, near Thirsk, fall into the category – and bosses there are urging cat owners to see the colourful side of cats and give them the homes they deserve.

“We are desperate to find these cats new homes,” said centre manager Carla Hiams.

“We think potential owners find it hard to differentiate black-and-white cats from one another, so it's always the 'prettier' cats that stick in their minds.”

However she added: “Even though the black-and-whites may look similar, their personalities couldn't be more different and it only takes spending a few minutes with them to see each quirky characteristic shine through.”

To find out more about the cats and other pets looking for homes at Topcliffe, or to make a donation towards their care, visit wbluecross.org.uk or contact the centre on 0300-777-1540 or thirsk@bluecross.org.uk