Shelter’s third annual Free Cat Friday event set for Aug. 2

Percy is one of many cats available for adoption through the Fayetteville Animal Shelter.

Courtesy photo

Residents can adopt a cat or kitten for free on Friday.

The Fayetteville Animal Shelter’s third annual Free Cat Friday event is set for Friday, Aug. 2.

The annual event has helped find homes for over 100 cats and kittens since launching in 2011, and shelter officials are hoping for similar success this summer.

Justine Lentz, the city’s animal services superintendent, said the shelter is nearly bursting at the seams with cats.

“It has been a very busy summer and we have seen a high number of cats and kittens being brought to our doors,” said Lentz. “We are so full of cats, they have actually taken over the puppy nursery area, too, since we don’t have any available puppies.”

All of the available cats and kittens will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated, prior to going to their new home. The shelter will open at 10 a.m. Friday, and all cats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. As a result, shelter staff recommend that adopters get there early.

Anyone interested in adopting a cat is encouraged to fill out an adoption application in advance to allow the staff time to get the application approved before the event. Applications may be picked up at the Fayetteville Animal Shelter, 1640 S. Armstrong Ave., or on the city’s website (PDF download here).

Also, make sure to properly prepare for bringing your new pet home. All cats and kittens are required to leave the shelter in a carrier. Cardboard carriers can be purchased at the shelter for $5.