Black cats are apparently being snubbed because they don't look too good in selfies.

There are fears the felines are being left in rescue centres because prospective owners feel they won't show up well in photos posted on social media accounts.

But Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, which has a branch at Brands Hatch near Dartford, has offered the 'purr-fect' steps to getting your cat photo ready.

Staff are telling owners to make sure they arm themselves with just the right amount of cat treats, and then get down to the cat's level - although this may involve laying on the floor with them.

As soon as your furry friend comes close to you, click your camera like nobody's business.

Then all you need to do is find the right image... but if you can't find one, love them anyway.

The average stay for a cat at Battersea is 22 days and black cats at the animal rescue centre tend to stay for a few days longer.

A spokesman for the charity said: "Battersea believes that black cats are just as adorable as any other cat – in real life and in photographs."

The charity says despite their apparent lack of photogenic features, people sometimes arrive looking specifically for black cats.

Cattery manager, Rachel Saunders, said: "On average, we do find our black cats tend to stay slightly longer than the average but not enough for us to say they are harder to rehome than others.

"In fact, we sometimes get people coming to Battersea specifically to rehome a black cat.

"We love all cats and every one of our felines has its own unique character.

"At Battersea, we’d always urge people to go for personality over looks.

"Cats are so much more than tools for social media likes – they will become your constant companions and best friends, no matter what colour they are."

Share your black cat selfies with us by tweeting @Kent_Online or emailing news@thekmgroup.co.uk.