Two scaredy cats are unwanted because they’re petrified of humans.
Two-year-old Flash and Archie, 10, have been waiting for their forever homes for nearly 11 months.
The black-fur moggies were rescued by the RSPCA, along with eight other cats in September last year.
Both were covered in fleas and scabs and were petrified of humans.
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Flash hasn’t had a single visitor in her 330 days at the Great Ayton Animal Centre, near Middlesbrough.
Meanwhile, potential adopters for Archie, ultimately decided on another.
Staff have been working to rehabilitate the cats so that they enjoy a fuss and a cuddle in the hopes of attracting adopters.
They are the centre’s longest residents, as reported on What’s the Jam.
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Cattery supervisor, Beverley Dunn said: “Flash and Archie were living in a multi-cat household. It was very much a “free for all” and as a result, they were under-socialised and very wary of humans.
“Flash in particular was petrified, she was also covered in fleas and scabs, so it’s been quite a journey for her from both a physical and mental point of view.
“She’s an amazing girl who really enjoys a fuss and a cuddle and she’ll now come straight over and get on your knee.
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“She’s come on so much in our care and is a firm favourite with everyone here.
“Archie is a shy but sweet boy who enjoys sitting in the outside yard and watching the world go by.
“He was so scared when he first arrived and just hid away from us all.
“Slowly he’s gained confidence and his personality has shone through.
“If you sit with him he’ll come and take treats from you and he has the biggest purr and meow you can imagine.”
Staff at the centre suspect the duo may be overlooked because of their colour.
On average, it takes the RSPCA 29 days to find a home for a black cat, in comparison to just nine days for their grey tabby counterparts.
Black felines are often associated with superstitions, with some people believing they are unlucky and others claiming they don’t look so good in photos.
Beverley said: “The fact black and black-and-white cats take longer to re-home is nothing new to us, we see it time and time again. But we’d urge people to see beyond what an animal looks like – the colour of their fur makes no difference to how much love they have to give.
“Flash and Archie have come such a long way from the scared, timid characters who arrived through our doors nearly 11 months ago.
“They both deserve the opportunity to thrive and enjoy life in their own homes and we’d encourage anyone who has been moved by their story to get in touch with the centre.”
Flash is thought to be around two years old. She has been spayed and could live with secondary-aged children, although she’d prefer to be the only pet.
Archie, who is approximately 10, will need a patient adopter with a gentle approach to gain his trust and let him settle into a new home on his own terms. He will need a pet-free, adult-only household.
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