AUGUSTA — The Kennebec Valley Humane Society says it was hit this week with an influx of 38 new cats and kittens in just a 14-hour period, bringing the animal shelter’s cat population to over 200 and prompting officials to waive the fees to adopt cats seven months and older during for a few days.

The Kennebec Valley Humane Society in Augusta says it is temporarily waiving adoption fees for certain cats and kittens amid an influx of felines. (Photo courtesy of Kennebec Valley Humane Society)

Summer is the Augusta shelter‘s busiest time of year, and this week, in only 14 hours, 38 new cats were brought to it, putting a burden on the shelter and stretching its resources.

“With such a high intake of new cats and kittens at KVHS, we find our shelter full and our resources stretched and depleted,” Hillary Roberts, executive director, said in a news release. “It’s urgent that we find homes for the adoptable cats in our care so we can make space for the many new cats coming in to us in need of shelter, medical care and compassion. Waiving and reducing fees helps us to alleviate the many stresses that an overcrowded animal shelter can cause for the animals we serve. Very simply, our goal is to save more lives of animals. To do this, we are turning to the community members to come in to our shelter and open their hearts and homes to a new pet.”

Roberts said the influx of 38 cats was not related to a seizure and there were several litters of kittens, and many adults, surrendered to the shelter recently.

She said about 50 of the shelter’s cats are in foster care with volunteer families in the community.

Adoption fees, which are normally $75 for cats between seven months and five years old and $50 for cats over five years old, will be waived for all cats seven months or older Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

All cats have been spayed or neutered and have had their core vaccines.

More information is available by calling 626-3491.

People who want to help but cannot adopt may make donations of money or supplies or volunteer their time at the shelter.