Surge in black cat adoptions thanks to Oscar-winning hit film ‘Flow’

By Ed Chatterton

Animal charities have seen a surge in black cat adoptions - thanks to the Oscar-winning film "Flow."

Black cats are often overlooked and take longer to rehome due to traditionally being associated with superstition, bad luck or witchcraft.

But following the release of the hit animated Latvian movie, shelters are seeing a huge increase in black cat adoptions, it has emerged.

The film, which follows the journey for survival of a cat following a flood, is being credited for transforming the perceptions of black cats worldwide.

Animal charities across Europe and South America have reported a rise in adoptions and the same is also happening in the UK.

Since the film was released in 2024, the Blue Cross has seen a staggering 53 percent increase in black cats being rehomed.

Previously, rescue centers had reported difficulties in rehoming black cats due to superstition and even because they 'don't look good in selfies'

Katie Radcliffe, head of rehoming and fostering service operations at pet charity Blue Cross said: “We’re happy to hear more people are considering the magic black cats can bring into people’s lives.

“Many people still associate them with superstition, but in some parts of the world, black cats are said to bring good fortune.

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“We think black cats are just beautiful and would always urge people to choose a cat, or any new pet, on its character, not its looks.

“Fur color makes no difference to how much affection they have to give.

"If you can bring some magic into their lives. they are sure to bring some joy into yours.”

It has also been reported pet owners have been asking for "Flow cats" rather than "black cats" and there's also been an increase in them being named Flow.

In Brazil, the country's Ampara Animal Institute, a non-governmental organization specializing in animal protection, also reported seeing a demand for black cats.

They said, “What not everyone realizes is the real impact it has had: increasing interest in adopting black cats, which have faced prejudice for so long.”

Second Chance Pet Adoptions, based in Murrieta, California, said on social media: "Flow, the Academy Award-winning animation, has helped increase the adoption of black cats, who are often victims of discrimination and abandonment due to superstition."

The UK Cinema Society Club also posted on Facebook: "The Oscar-winning animated film "Flow" has led to a surge in black cat adoptions!

"With a black cat as its brave protagonist, the film has helped reshape perceptions, breaking old superstitions and highlighting their charm.

"Shelters are reporting more interest in these often-overlooked felines, with some new pet parents even naming their cats "Flow'."

The film, which has won over 50 awards—including an Oscar and a Golden Globe - charts the journey of a cat learning to work with other animals to survive a flood.

It has received critical acclaim from film reviewers worldwide since it was first shown in France last year.