The Bermuda SPCA will be waiving adoption fees for adult cats at a special event this weekend.
According to Jodi Corbett, the shelter is at “cat-pacity”, with cats of all shapes, ages, colours and sizes looking for their forever home.
“We have some amazing cats with us at the moment and our hope that if the adoption fee has been deterring someone from adopting, they would take this opportunity to come and find a new family member,” the humane education officer and acting inspector said. “Our reason for offering an adoption incentive at this time is that the playroom is very full and this can be stressful on some of our cats, especially those with more solitary personalities.”
Deborah Titterton Narraway, the communications and fundraising manager, added in a statement: “We’re hoping this promotion will encourage anyone who has been considering cat adoption to take the next step and make it reality. The usual adoption criteria will apply, but the goal is to find fantastic homes for as many felines as possible during the event.”
For one day only, animal lovers will be able to adopt cats older than three years free of charge — the adoption fee for younger cats is $100.
Ms Corbett said mature cats are often overlooked in favour of kittens.
But according to Ms Corbett, mature cats are less maintenance because “you do not have to go through the demanding and time-consuming stage of raising a kitten”.
“Many adult cats come from previous homes and are well versed at being a good pet.” Ms Corbett added that adult cats are litter box trained and are also more independent, which is “purr-fect for busy, active people”.
The event will be held at the SPCA in Paget on Saturday from 11am to 4pm. All cats have been spayed, neutered, microchipped, wormed and have their necessary vaccinations.
Those looking to adopt a cat will need to bring photo identification and a permission letter from their landlord. Each year, the SPCA assists more than 500 cats across the Island by taking in unwanted kittens and cats and finding them new homes, as well as providing a financial assistance programme to encourage the public to spay and neuter their cats.
By Lisa Simpson The Royal Gazette