BC SPCA shelters, including Maple Ridge, are offering feline adoptions at half price.

For a limited time, the SPCA shelter in Maple Ridge is offering reduced fees in an attempt to boost cat adoptions.

Typically, by this time of year, there are no kittens in the local shelter. But local shelter manager Mark Vosper described it as a late season, noting there are about 30 kittens, on top of the typical 30 to 35 cats, at the shelter or in foster care this month.

Consequently, the BC SPCA is holding a special adoption promotion for cats and kittens from Nov. 26 to Dec. 9, offering 50 per cent off all feline adoption fees.

Vosper is optimistic the SPCA can find loving homes for many of these local felines.

The BC SPCA takes in more than 17,000 homeless cats and kittens each year, and right now their shelters are filled to capacity, said Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations for the BC SPCA.

“As the cold weather approaches, what could be better than a warm cat or kitten curled up in your lap?” Chortyk said, putting out a plea to cat lovers.

“Normally at this time of year the number of abandoned and surrendered kittens lessens, but the kittens just keep coming this year and we are really overwhelmed with the number of homeless kittens and cats who need loving homes. We hope this special promotion will be an incentive for people who have thought through their decision to adopt a pet and are just waiting for the right time.” she noted that there are currently 936 adult cats and 1,146 kittens in SPCA facilities across the province needing good homes.

“These are beautiful animals who are homeless through no fault of their own,” Chortyk said.

“B.C. has an overwhelming cat overpopulation problem because people do not spay and neuter their pets, or they illegally abandon their cats, and the animals ultimately pay the price.”

She said people who adopt cats and kittens from the SPCA are getting exceptional value, even without a special promotion.

“The BC SPCA’s average cost to care for a cat during its stay is $784, much higher than the actual adoption fee. Our costs include vaccinations, spaying or neutering, an identification tattoo or microchip, preventative treatment for internal and external parasites, any medical care or rehabilitation required, daily welfare monitoring, sheltering and feeding.”

While the goal of the Fall for Kittens promotion is to find loving homes for as many kittens and adult cats as possible, Chortyk said all of the usual adoption criteria will apply.

“We want to make sure that the animals are a right fit for their new home and that their needs will be met.”

As an added bonus all cats and kittens are also covered by six weeks pet insurance courtesy of Petsecure to ensure the health of the new pet during the critical rehoming period.

For more details on the Fall for Kittens promotion, people can visit the local SPCA shelter or visit spca.bc.ca to view all adoptable animals and for information on SPCA locations across B.C.