A black cat who was found abandoned in a shed is still waiting to be adopted 230 days later.

Eddie, based in Middlesbrough, was brought to the RSPCA shelter on Yarm Lane, Great Ayton last September by a concerned member of the public who discovered him.

But rescuers at the centre believe, due to the colour of his coat, he has been overlooked by adoptive families.

And the feline appears to have fallen victim to this curse, as in the 230 days he has been in the RSPCA's care, he has only received one adoption offer.

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Beverley Dunn, the cattery supervisor at the centre, explained that Eddie was in a bad way when he was first brought to her.

The feline had ulcers all over his ears which led to him developing sore bald patches over his head, Metro reported.

The Northern Echo: The RSPCA has reported an 8 percent decline in people wanting to rehome animals - coupled with a rise in people dropping off their pets at shelters amid a cost-of-living crisisThe RSPCA has reported an 8 percent decline in people wanting to rehome animals - coupled with a rise in people dropping off their pets at shelters amid a cost-of-living crisis (Image: RSPCA)

"He’s a gorgeous, affectionate boy who loves human company and as much fuss and attention as you can give him, although his second favourite pastime is playing with a ping pong ball," she said.

As well as prospective adopters being somewhat put off by Eddie's black coloured coat, there has also been a decline in people adopting animals over the last few months.

The RSPCA has reported an 8 percent decline in people wanting to rehome animals - coupled with a rise in people dropping off their pets at shelters amid a cost-of-living crisis.

Beverley added: ‘Unfortunately black, and black and white cats are not as popular as tabby and ginger cats – and it always takes us considerably longer to find them loving new homes.'