That's one week longer in care simply because of the colour of fur.

Today marks National Black Cat Day and to celebrate these truly beautiful creatures, we're hoping to help some of Wirral's needy moggies a new home.

Black or black and white cats have developed an underserved bad reputation due to their appearance in tales of magic and witchcraft.

But they are truly remarkable animals that deserve your love and attention just as much as any other cat.

In Wirral, there are dozens of black and black and white cats looking for their furr-ever home. 

Here are some of them:
 

1. Heidi 

Two-year-old Heidi was found by Guinea Gap baths in Seacombe. She has been sleeping in the bushes by the prom for the last couple of weeks. She is a very sweet little cat, very friendly and affectionate.

If you're interested in giving her a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.

2. Shadow 

Shadow was taken to the RSPCa animal centra via an Inspector after he managed to break his leg.

He is approximately six to 12 months old. He has spent some time at the vet and is well on the road to recovery. He is the most affectionate cat you are likely to meet and just loves human contact. He is very laid back and will stand as much attention as you are willing to give him. The perfect family cat.

If you're interested in giving him a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.

3. Vernon 

Vernon has suffered a previous eye injury. This is an old injury and doesn't seem to be causing him any problems so he is being monitored by RSPCA staff. There is a possibility that it may need to be removed but the RSPCA branch will cover the costs.

He has obviously been fending for himself for quite some time as he looks quite worse for wear and seems to be relishing a warm bed, some fuss and regular meals.

He will make a great family pet where he can enjoy some home comforts and keep him in the style he is quickly becoming accostomed to.

If you're interested in giving him a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.

4. Bonnie

Four-year-old Bonnie is a very quiet girl who has been returned to the RSPCA. She is sweet and friendly, but will need a quiet home with patient owners where she can learn to relax and feel at ease, so best with older children.

If you're interested in giving her a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.
 

5. Stardust

Stardust was taken to the centre as a stray with a very nasty cat bite abscess on his head. He has been treated and is now fully recovered. He is a very friendly lad who likes his home comforts and has a laid back character. He does like to play and he loves human company. Perfect family cat.

If you're interested in giving him a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.
 

6. Alice

Alice was found as a stray with two tiny kittens. The kittens were suffering from severe flea anaemia and nearly didn't make it. Mum was also infested with fleas. She has now been treated and is now feeling much better. She is a little shy initially but certainly makes up for it when she is familiar with you. She is very affectionate and loves a fuss.

If you're interested in giving her a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.
 

7. Nugget

Nugget is at the centre as his owner cannot keep him due to ill health. He is such a cutie. He's quite reserved with new people and is wondering whats going on after coming to us. He loves a cuddle and will happily curl up on your lap and purr on and on, when he's a little more familiar he loves to play. He will make a great family pet.

If you're interested in giving him a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.
 

8. Bryn

Bry was found as a stray in the Birkenhead area and her health was deteriorating. He has been with the centre for a few weeks now and is looking and feeling 100% better. She is a very sweet little cat, very friendly and affectionate and will be suited to being a family cat.

If you're interested in giving her a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.
 

9. Spartacus

Spartacus is a gorgeous, friendly boy about five months old. He was born to a stray cat that a member of public took in along with his siblings. He loves a fuss and loves a cuddle, will make a fab family cat.

If you're interested in giving him a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.

10. Dibble

Dibble was taken to the RSPCA by an inspector. He is a real character. He's very friendly and is like a big kitten. He loves attention and will be a perfect addition to a family.

If you're interested in giving him a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.
 

11. Amelia 

Amelia ended up at the centre as part of a case investigation along with some other cats. They have now been signed over for rehoming so finally Amelia is looking forward to her second chance. She is a particularly loving cat and will make a perfect companion. She is very friendly and laid back, she will make a perfect family cat.

If you're interested in giving her a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.
 

12. Flossy

Flossy was found as a stray and was taken to the RSPCA by a member of public as she had been howling outside their door for two weeks. She is a lovely, friendly little girl who is looking for a new family to care for her. She was found in Prenton Hall Road, Prenton.

If you're interested in giving her a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.

13. Gabby

Six-year-old Gabby ended up at the centre when her owner moved house and was unable to take her. She can be a little timid with new people but is very friendly. She does like to curl up on your lap and have a fuss but will need a quieter home where she can relax. She has recently had her eye removed as sadly it couldn't be saved.

If you're interested in giving her a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.

14. Louie

Louie pictured above is just one of two black kittens at the South Wirral branch of Cats Protection currently looking for a home. He and his brother Patrick, also all-black, and tortoisehell sister Maisie were living as ferals when they were rescued at just eight-week’s-old.

Now 15-week’s-old, all three are looking for quiet homes with owners who can give them space and time to adjust to their new surroundings. Louie loves cuddles, Patrick prefers to play alone and Maisie is the most nervous of the three. Maisie and Patrick are very close and are looking for a home together.

Can you offer them a home this National Black Cat Day? Call Cats Protection’s South Wirral Branch on 0151 355 9813 or e-mail southwirralcpl@yahoo.co.uk
 

15. CoCo

CoCo was from the centre a few years ago but sadly due to a change in the family circumstances she has found herself once again looking for her 'forever home'. CoCo is a sweet girl, very friendly and loving. She will make a good family pet.

If you're interested in giving her a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.

16. Johnny

Johnny is a five year old male who was found by a member of the public and taken to the vets with a nasty collar injury. The fact that he was wearing a collar suggests he is/was an owned cat however with no microchip we have no way of tracking his owners. Johnny is a very friendly boy who is full of energy. He will make a great companion to the right home.

If you're interested in giving him a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.

17. Billy

Billy was found after being abandoned by his owner. He's a timid lad who will need a home with older children though he is friendly.

If you're interested in giving him a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.
 

19. Aziza

Aziza went to the RSPCA after she had kittens who were rehomed and she was not wanted. She is a super friendly girl looking for a new chance at being a family pet. She is only a year or two old and is very playful.

If you're interested in giving her a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.
 

19. Elliott

Elliott was taken to the animal centre looking 10 years older than he actually is (he's four). He was a stray and wasn't doing a very good job of looking after himself as he was matted, dirty and had some fur loss due to fleas. He has now been treated and the staff have given him lots of TLC and as you can see he's looking and feeling a lot better.

He likes attention and plays quite boisterously, so would be suited to a home with older children who have had cats before.

If you're interested in giving him a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.
 

20. Kewpie

Four-year-old Kewpie was found in the Wallasey area with his skin in a dreadful state due to untreated fleas. He has now been treated so his coat will be as good as new soon. He is a particularly affectionate, friendly boy who will make an ideal family cat.

If you're interested in giving him a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.

21. Atlas

Poor Atlas is a delicate, petite little cat who is wondering what is happening. She is desperate for someone she can turn to and very quickly makes friends when she feels she can trust you.

As you can see from the photo she does have a problem with her eye but this is not an ongoing issue and has been checked by the vet. 

The RSPCA is eager to find a home for her as she is finding a busy cattery quite stressful. Fostering would be considered initially.

If you're interested in giving her a home, call the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester Branch 0151 638 6318.