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MURRAY, Utah (AP) -- The Humane Society of Utah says it's running out of room for cats and kittens at its shelter in Murray.
Animal shelters have been dealing with a population increase since the economy crashed and people could no longer afford to care for their pets. And there is also a natural population boom to deal with this time of year.
This is the time of year where a lot of cats are giving birth, and so a lot of them are unwanted litters.
–Carl Arky
"We're in kitten season," shelter spokesman Carl Arky said. "This is the time of year where a lot of cats are giving birth, and so a lot of them are unwanted litters."
That means more cats at the shelters, where there is even less available space than usual.
The Humane Society shelter has about 200 cats and kittens being prepared for adoption. The shelter is reducing the fees for the next few weeks and trying to find the felines new homes. Cats younger than 2 years old are $24.50, and older cats are $10. Kittens 5 months and younger are two for $70 or $50 each.
In 2009, 5,748 cats were brought into the center. Only 3,137 cats were adopted, leaving more than 2,500 without a home
The felines come spayed or neutered and have had their shots. Generally it costs $33 to spay a female cat and $29 to neuter a male cat at the shelter. Rabies and distemper shots are $30.
In 2009, 5,748 cats were brought into the center. Only 3,137 cats were adopted, leaving more than 2,500 without a home, shelter officials said.
The shelter also has a foster care program that allows cats to go to temporary homes and keep space open at the center.
"It gives animals a chance to find them a home," said Lisa Vanzandt, who assists in coordinating the foster program. "And that's the whole reason we do it."
The Humane Society of Utah is a nonprofit organization. The shelter also takes donations of money, food and other supplies, toys and blankets.
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