More than one in 10 Brits won’t buy a black cat or dog – because they’re superstitious.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 12 per cent have heard pets of this colour bring bad luck, so would always opt for a different shade to avoid this.
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Others (30 per cent) won’t walk under a ladder for the same reasons.
And 23 per cent will avoid opening an umbrella indoors, in case it brings them negative fortune.
The findings were commissioned by Lottoland.co.uk, which had partnered with the Blue Cross, to raise money through their charity scratch card.
Data from the charity found black cats and dogs take longer to be adopted than the other animals – which may be to do with the nation’s superstitions.
A spokesperson from the brand said: “Superstitions have been a part of human culture for centuries, passed down from generation to generation.
“At their core, they often stem from a need to make sense of the unknown and to seek control in situations where we might feel powerless.
“In a world that can sometimes seem unpredictable or threatening, engaging with superstitions gives people a way to impose order and find comfort.
“For example, avoiding walking under ladders or steering clear of black cats may appear irrational, but these actions provide a sense of security.”
The study found 25 per cent of adults are very or somewhat superstitious, and 30 per cent live in fear of breaking a mirror.
While 14 per cent would never spill some salt – without taking the time to throw some over their shoulder afterwards.
They’ve been engaging in their superstitious habits for, on average, a whopping 24 years each.
And 27 per cent of superstition-followers have passed one of their behaviours on to a family member or friend, that they now follow.
A fifth (21 per cent) think black pets are less likely to be adopted because they’re unlucky – but 12 per cent think they just don’t photograph well.
But this makes 45 per cent feel ‘sad’, and nearly a tenth (eight per cent) outright annoyed, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Mary Haisman, head of corporate partnerships, community and events at Blue Cross, added: “There’s no reason to let outdated superstitions stop you from welcoming a black dog or cat into your home.
“Black pets are just as loving, loyal, and deserving of a home as any other animal, and it’s unfortunate that these superstitions can sometimes prevent them from finding families.
“For example, it takes an extra five days and £50 more on average for us to find loving new homes for black cats, compared to others in our care.
“This is Pablo, who I adopted from our Blue Cross Devon site. He was a long stay pet, in our foster care for over five months, sadly not being able to find his forever home.
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“The length of time both black dogs and cats remain in our care on average is typically longer – he’s the sweetest boy, I am genuinely surprised he wasn’t rehomed quicker.
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“Whilst we cannot know for certain, the suspicions were that it took so long because he’s a black dog, but I honestly can’t think of any other reason.
“He has the sweetest temperament, gives our family endless love, and is such an important part of my life.”
Top 10 superstitions Brits don’t want to do
1. Walk under a ladder
2. Break a mirror
3. Open an umbrella indoors
4. Put new shoes on a table
5. Spill salt without throwing it over my shoulder
6. No salute at a magpie
7. Cross paths with someone on a staircase
8. Walk over three drains
9. Hold a horseshoe upside down
10. Buy a black cat
