Why black cats, tabbies are last to find homes in Istanbul?

In Istanbul, black cats and tabby cats, considered “non-special breeds,” face discrimination rooted in superstition and social media beauty standards. This leads to slower adoption rates and, at times, abandonment.

Istanbul, known for its cat population numbering hundreds of thousands, is witnessing an increased need for warm homes as urbanization shrinks their natural habitats.

However, color, breed and appearance significantly influence adoption choices, leaving black cats and tabbies at a disadvantage.

Superstition, racism in adoption practices

Meral Olcay, founder and volunteer manager of the Yedikule Animal Shelter, highlighted the deep-rooted superstitions against black cats:

People don’t like black cats, despite how adorable they are. It’s such a baseless superstition. Every living being has equal value, but humans judge by appearances. They want glamorous, spotless, purebred animals. This is the unfortunate expectation.

When asked which cats get adopted the quickest, Olcay responded:

British cats are adopted the fastest. Black cats, the slowest. This is prejudice, purely superstition.

Influence of social media

Muhammet Demir, a volunteer who has rehomed thousands of cats, believes social media plays a more significant role than superstitions.

The emphasis on ‘beauty’ dominates adoption choices, creating a type of racism. We receive immediate feedback from purebred cats posted online. Meanwhile, black and tabby cats are overlooked. While superstitions about black cats persist, the current trend is driven by people wanting to showcase their pets online. It’s all about aesthetics. Purebred cats are adopted faster but are also abandoned more easily.

‘Reflection of human discrimination’

Animal lover Sedat Ipek linked this trend to broader societal issues:

Since childhood, we’ve been told that black cats bring bad luck. I don’t understand this discrimination. Black is a beautiful, noble color. We already love to categorize people by color, race, and origin. Doing the same for animals, especially cats, is absurd. Judging animals based on color or breed is profoundly wrong.

Visual appeal: Dominant factor in pet adoption

Kivanc Savas, a specialist with Fatih Municipality’s Social Aid Department, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the role of visual appeal in adoption choices:

People prioritize appearance these days. Black cats are often not chosen. White cats or purebreds are preferred, simply for their looks. It’s about showing off. Black cats come second or even third. I’ve seen friends adopt black cats only to abandon them a month later. This is particularly common with black cats.

Misguided belief

Sedef Goksu, a social services expert with Fatih Municipality, dismissed superstitions surrounding black cats:

My adopted cat, a black-and-white one, was abandoned before I took it in. Black cats aren’t unlucky. On the contrary, I believe they bring good fortune and positivity.

Experts and animal lovers emphasize every cat deserves love and care, regardless of color or breed. They urge people to abandon baseless superstitions and focus on providing permanent homes to these vulnerable animals.