Meet two beautiful black cats and a rabbit called Dave the Magical Cheese Wizard - all looking for a home in Shropshire

RSPCA Gonsal Farm Animal Centre in Dorrington is looking for homes for black cats Hitchcock and Scully, and for 'Dave the Magical Cheese Wizard'. 

The cat duo, who are aged around one, certainly have a lot of love to give and have been available for rehoming during the past few weeks.

A home is being sought for them together, which the centre said can be harder to find alongside them also being black cats which makes rehoming slower - according to the RSPCA who said "black and black and white cats are nearly three times more likely to come into care than tabby felines".

Kennel/Cattery Supervisor at RSPCA Gonsal Farm, Alice Batchelor-Reynolds said: "Hitchcock and Scully came into RSPCA care due to concerns for their welfare. 

"Originally they were very nervous but have really blossomed at the centre.  They are very chatty, enjoy a fuss and will do anything for food! 

"Hitchcock is the most confident whereas Scully is a little quieter and is a gentle sweetheart!"

The RSPCA has found rehoming the cats difficult so far and due to black cats taking three times longer to find homes than tabby cats, it means there are more black cats within the RSPCA's care and that they are also staying for longer before they are rehomed.

Alice added: "We don’t know for sure why black cats are more likely to end up in rescue centres and are then overlooked by prospective adopters. It could be because there are more black cats than any other colour in the cat population so cats with different colours and patterns tend to stand out to adopters - but we hope Hitchcock and Scully won’t have to wait too long.

"We know some people also consider black cats unlucky or associate them with superstition, or even think they don’t look good in Instagram photos but in reality, they are just like any other cat who needs a loving home.

"As for Hitchcock and Scully - these two love being together - and hate being apart. With St Valentine’s Day approaching we would just love to find them a perfect match for them as they would love a new home to call their own.

"They would suit a home with no dogs and may be able to live with another cat. Any children in the home would need to be over 10 as well."

Meet Dave the Magical Cheese Wizard rabbit who is also looking for a new home

Meanwhile, staff are also looking for a home for a rabbit called 'Dave the Magical Cheese Wizard'.

Dave came to RSPCA Gonsal Farm Animal Centre from RSPCA Bryn Y Maen Animal Centre in Upper Colwyn Bay after arriving there during May. 

Staff and volunteers are now hoping that he will cast a spell over potential adoptees in Shropshire.

"He didn’t have much luck finding a home, so he was transferred to us, and we thought a new name may help to catch the attention of adopters," said Alice. 

"One of the team suggested Dave the Magical Cheese Wizard for his name and we thought, why not, as it might catch the eye of an adopter!"

Dave is looking for a home to spend his days with a female rabbit and in a calm home with children of primary school age.

Alice added: "Dave has really settled in with us, and he is happy to be around people, but he isn’t too keen on being picked up. He loves his veggies and treats but especially herbs.

"He is just magical, and he is certainly as special as his name."

Shropshire is also home to one independent RSPCA branch in RSPCA Shropshire as well as RSPCA Gonsal Farm Animal Centre who rehabilitate and rehome rescued animals.

In ten years up until the end of 2022 the RSPCA centre and branch found new homes for 6,442 animals. 

This Winter the RSPC launched its Join the Winter Rescue campaign which is calling on the public to support the RSPCA so they can continue their life-saving work during the busy winter period at a time when pet abandonments are on the increase.

The charity, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024, believes abandonments are due to an increase in pet ownership during COVID-19 pandemic and the current financial hardships faced by many. 

If Shropshire residents would like to adopt a pet including Hitchcock and Scully or 'Dave the Magical Cheese Wizard', visit the RSPCA’s Find A Pet webpage.