Local animal shelters are experiencing a significant uptick in cats in need of homes.
According to the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, far more cats are entering Philadelphia shelters than the year before, which hasn’t happened in more than a decade.
And PAWS is concerned that the busiest months still lie ahead. Therefore, the rescue organization is offering “name-your-own adoption fees” for all adult cats (over 6 months old) through May 31. PAWS will also provide foster parents with all the support they need to welcome cats into their homes temporarily.
South Philly residents won’t have to travel far. Although PAWS’ main adoption center is at 2nd and Arch streets, dozens of adoptable cats are currently available at the PetSmart location at Broad Street and Washington Avenue and in nearby foster homes. The foster team at PAWS’ spay/neuter and wellness clinic at 2900 Grays Ferry Ave. also makes matches by appointment seven days a week.
According to officials, many shelters in Philadelphia and nationwide have seen a sharp decline in the number of adopters and fosters stepping forward. PAWS’ ability to save vulnerable pets – both in the community and at ACCT Philly, where cats are increasingly at-risk for euthanasia – completely depends on the number of animal lovers who open their homes now.
Anyone interested in adopting a cat can visit phillypaws.org/adopt/cats to see who’s available.
Interested fosters can learn more and sign-up at phillypaws.org/foster.
