The Bermuda Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is extending its Desperate Housecats adoption drive.
With the shelter still overcrowded as a result of owners surrendering adult cats they no longer want or can care for, the charity is urging the public to assist.
And after only two families came forward, it has extended the special $25 adoption fee and two-for-one deal on cat adoptions until August 13.
“As the island’s only animal shelter, we are currently housing more cats than we truly have space for,” Deborah Titterton Narraway, the interim executive director, said.
“The capacity of the shelter’s playroom is 20 to 25 cats, and this room is currently home to over 40 cats. We are sad to report only two families so far have come forward and adopted cats desperate for homes.”
According to Ms Titterton Narraway, overcrowding happens during kitten season but this year is “different”.
“The majority of our cats are adult cats who have been dumped at the shelter by owners who no longer have a need for them or the ability to care for them.”
She added that overcrowding situations “are very serious as it increases the stress levels and increases the likelihood and threat of disease”.
“The Bermuda SPCA is struggling to maintain the delicate balance between taking in all the animals they can to save lives and trying to healthily take care of the animals already living there.
“We pride ourselves on being an open admission shelter, but at this point in time, we are already in an overcrowding situation.
“What this means is when people call asking to surrender their pets, we now have a waiting list and are asking for patience and are encouraging people to try and rehome their pets themselves and as a last resort to call us again in a few weeks.”
She added that those who were not looking to adopt can make a difference by ensuring their pets are all spayed or neutered, by making a donation or by fostering a cat.
“The Bermuda SPCA will assist with home care advice and pay for any special needs expenses such as healthcare, medications or kitten formula.”
All cats up for adoption are vaccinated, have a microchip identification number and are spayed or neutered, resulting in potential savings of more than $550, according to the SPCA.
The shelter is located on Valley Road in Paget and open for adoptions from Tuesday to Saturday between 11am and 4pm. Those looking to adopt should bring a cat carrier, photo identification and a permission letter from the landlord.