Leader Staff
The Shawano County Humane Society will launch its second annual Cat Adopt-a-Thon on Monday in hopes of finding good homes for a growing feline population.
The society inaugurated the event last year when more than 100 cats were awaiting adoption in a shelter with 72 cages.
The situation is not quite so catastrophic this year, but it’s still early, according to the society’s assistant director, Shelly Hansen.
“It’s kitten season,” she said. “Everybody’s having babies this time of year. Dogs, deer, cats.”
Kittens born of stray cats during the winter often die, she said, but this time of year they’re more noticeable and more likely to be brought to the shelter.
There was a point last summer when the shelter had to stop taking in any new cats, but there’s still some room for now.
Hansen said there were 50 cats at the shelter as of Friday afternoon.
“There’s plenty to adopt,” she said.
The society initiated a spay and neutering program, offered one day a month, that Hansen thinks could be one of the reasons the shelter isn’t quite as full this year.
Cat owners can get their pets neutered for $50 and spayed for $75. Rabies shots and other pet care is also available.
The society is dropping its prices for adoption during the adopt-a-thon.
The regular adoption fee is $125, but while the adopt-a-thon lasts the price will be $50 for a cat under the age of 5 and $25 for cats 5 and older. The fee includes a rabies shot and spaying or neutering.
The society will also hold a carnival for kids at 3 p.m. June 13 as part of the adopt-a-thon. There will be prizes and games and a scavenger hunt, Hansen said.
Last year’s adopt-a-thon went for only a month, but this year’s is scheduled through summer, or until funds run out.
The adopt-a-thon is sponsored by Thrivent Financial, which also funded last year’s program.
“The inaugural event helped us quadruple our cat adoptions during the time frame it was held,” said Jennifer Wolf, society board member. “The board of directors and the workers are so grateful for Thrivent’s donation and what that means to our cats at the Humane Society.”
The shelter is also looking for donations for other needs, including kitten food, puppy food and cleaning products, Hansen said.
The shelter is located at 1290 Jaycee Court and is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
More information can be found at www.shawanocountyhumanesociety.com.