SPCA's 'Black Friday' adoption gimmick

The SPCA in Wellington is hoping to combat overcrowding with a new adoption technique.

It's made today - Friday the 13th - "adopt a black cat" day.

In a bid to deal with over 400 cats in the Newton and Kapiti centres, the SPCA is hoping to adopt out as many cats as possible today at various spots around Wellington.

SPCA spokesman James Craw says the overcrowding at this time of year is a nationwide trend.

"We see the same thing happening around the country where litters are born in a follow up cycle from March."

He says the SPCA's message aims to address the wide misconception that black cats are bad luck as many cultures consider them a good omen. The adoption day aims to play on the idea by encouraging people to take a black cat home with them, he says.

Free food and litter trays are also being offered to encourage adoptions.

A 'kitty in the window' event will be held from noon today at the Body Shop on Lambton Quay and off-site adoption days will be held at Wadestown and St Luke's Church on Saturday and at the Brooklyn Community Centre on Sunday, both from 1-4pm.