THE RSPCA hopes at least 200 cats statewide will find new homes over the next week.
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This comes as there has been an influx of cats at shelters, with Ballarat and other centres around Victoria at capacity.
Fees will be waived for adopting adult cats (four months and older) in an ‘I heart cats’ initiative between March 11 and 19.
RSPCA Victoria shelter services manager Liz Walker said the campaign was activated in peak periods.
“The usual adoption fee is lifted in a bid to rehome as many adult cats as possible,” Ms Walker said.
“The RSPCA encourages Victorians to visit one of our adoption centres and get to know our feline friends. If they are willing to make a lifetime commitment to an adult cat, we will be waiving the adoption fee.”
Ballarat Pets Place assistant manager Lyn Zboril said many people underestimated the joy a cat could bring to a family, unless they’d had a cat before.
“We just want for these cats to find a home and a family,” Ms Zboril said.
“They can provide a lot of entertainment and love for a family and give a sense of being.
“Cats aren’t as demanding as other animals, and can suit a range of people whether they’re a single household, family or anywhere in between. They’re a great low-maintenance pet.”
All cats are microchipped, desexed, wormed, flea-treated and health-checked, and will cost nothing for people to adopt.
The ‘I heart cats’ campaign was launched in 2010 and helped 120 cats find homes. This time, the RSPCA is aiming for 200.
RSPCA Pets Place in Sebastopol will open for twilight adoption until 7.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday up until March 19.
There are nine animal welfare shelters across the state, working to give more than 35,000 animals annually a chance at a new home.
For more information, visit rspcavic.org.
nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au
