Are Black Cats the Secret to Better Adoption Rates?

You might think that fluffy white kittens win the cuteness contest, but science has a surprise. New research reveals black cats with walnut-shaped eyes are not only cute—they’re adoption superstars!

If you’ve ever scrolled through online cat adoption listings, you know the feeling. Your heartstrings tug at a shy feline with almond eyes or a tabby with an adorable face. But does the fur color sway your choice? Recent studies show that these visual cues can significantly affect perceived adoptability.

Bring in the Research Story

A fascinating new study from Australia explored how different physical characteristics—such as coat color and eye shape—affect how adoptable a cat appears when viewed in a single image. A team from La Trobe University manipulated a single photo, mixing coat colors like black and ginger with features like round and almond eyes. Over 600 participants rated these images in a large-scale survey.

What They Found (The Big Takeaways)

• Black cats with walnut-shaped eyes had the highest adoptability ratings and were often perceived as the cutest and friendliest.
• Cats with round eyes generally scored higher on cuteness ratings than those with almond-shaped eyes.
• Interestingly, pupil size didn’t affect adoptability—small or large, it didn’t matter.

Now comes the part pet owners can actually use…

The Pet Owner Playbook (Practical Tips)

• Highlighting the positives: When photographing your cat for adoption, ensure to capture their most attractive physical features.
• Position for success: Cats with round eyes or black fur might draw more attention, so capture these traits in your profiles.
• Add personality with text: Beyond appearance, share highlights of the cat’s personality—mention they’re friendly or playful to win hearts.
• Professional photography: Consider hiring a pet photographer or learning from pet photography techniques to better showcase your shelter cats.
• Ask your vet: If you’re unsure how certain traits influence a cat’s behavior, ask a vet for insights.

What This Means for the Future of Pet Care

While shelter organizations have long focused on temperament, understanding and marketing the influence of physical appearance can boost adoption rates. With increased adoption, black cats can finally step out of the shadows where superstitions have long kept them. This insight might also pave the way for richer online listings, enabling a future where a cat’s profile photo tells a compelling story that ends in a loving home.

So what should we do with this new knowledge?

Let’s Explore Together (Closing + Conversation Spark)

With this new lens on cat adoption, it’s time to reflect. Have you ever noticed this pattern in your pet? What’s one small change you’d try this week toward improving how adoptable your foster cat feels? If you could ask a vet researcher one question, what would it be?

This article is for education and isn’t veterinary medical advice—if your pet has sudden or severe symptoms, contact a veterinarian.