FORGET blondes - when it comes to cats most people think it’s gingers and tabbies that are the most fun, according to a new survey.

Research by Cats Protection has found black cats are perceived as less playful and friendly than their more colourful counterparts.

Staff at its adoption centre in Chelwood Gate, near Lewes, said while the findings could help explain why black and black-and-white cats typically wait 22 per cent longer to find a new owner, the reality is a cat’s colour has no bearing on its temperament.

The charity published the survey ahead of this year’s National Black Cat Day on Thursday, an event designed to encourage more people to adopt a less colourful pet.

According to those surveyed, monochrome moggies are seen as less friendly, playful, vocal and attention-seeking than gingers or tabbies, which typically find new owners faster.

Centre manager Danielle Draper said: “There is a tendency to see the black cats as less exciting which we think is because they are much more common among the cat population.

“When people enquire about adopting from us or look at our website, they can be faced with a large number of black or black-and-white cats so their attention tends to be drawn to the brighter-coloured tabbies, light tortoiseshells and gingers who look more exciting.

“It’s only natural that people will have some view on what a cat may be like based on its looks.

“However just like with humans, it’s impossible to make a judgement based purely on how a cat looks. We want to break down the myths and show that beauty really is more than fur deep.”

Among the black cats currently looking for a home is eight-year-old Lily, who arrived because her owner’s circumstances changed.

Staff say she is loving, friendly and would be happy living in a home with older children.

Treacle, five, arrived after his owner died and has found it hard to adjust to the sudden change in his life so the centre are keen for him to find a new place quickly.

Graphic designer Jo Ling, who volunteers at the charity’s shop in Blatchington Road, Hove, has donated her own exclusively designed prints to be raffled at 5pm on the awareness day.

Other prizes include a Cats Protection goodie basket and framed artwork by Michael Gregory.

The shop’s window display will be dedicated to black cat awareness throughout next week.