On the infamous Friday the 13th, one black cat was rescued despite all the fear and misconceptions that surround the dark felines.

RSPCA Launceston manager Lorraine Hamilton said black cats were just like any other moggy but were still harder to adopt out because of certain superstitions.

Many people believe black cats are bad luck, a bad omen and even a symbol of death, while in Japan they are considered good luck.

To help the ill-represented creatures, the RSPCA is running a "black cat special", where anyone who adopts a black cat this weekend will receive a free starter pack.

"They all have their personalities like other coloured cats," she said.

"They are a bit harder to adopt out and I'm not sure why that is, maybe it is because when they are in the cattery, they blend in with the background and if they don't push their way to the front, they may get overlooked."

Ms Hamilton said the shelter's cat numbers had dropped off for the time being, until the busier season in November - when they usually received about 1500 in a six-month period.

She said the animal welfare organisation was hoping to find homes for all 13 remaining black cats this weekend.

The RSPCA Launceston is open from 10am to 4.30pm today and from 10am to 2.30pm tomorrow.