NYC animal shelters overflowing with cats

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Animal Care & Control of NYC is overflowing with cats, and calling on the community of animal lovers to help by adopting a fabulous feline friend.

The nonprofit organization is lowering adoption fees to $5 for adult cats and $20 for kittens six months and under, and asking animal lovers for help reaching its goal of adopting out at least 100 cats between Thursday, July 24 and Sunday, July 27.

"We have an abundance of great kittens and cats in need of loving homes," says AC&C Executive Director Risa Weinstock. "We want more than anything to encourage adoptions particularly at this time of the year. Last year, AC&C took in approximately 18,000 cats from across the five boroughs. This translates to about 50 cats each day entering AC&C shelters. We truly hope these staggering statistics will inspire people to adopt. There couldn't be a better time to show your compassion and be one of New York's Kindest."

April through September is known as "kitten season" and a particularly busy time as thousands of kittens and cats are brought in. Last summer alone, AC&C took in nearly 6,000 cats, enough to fill every seat in Radio City Music Hall. This year is on track to be the same.

As part of its push to get at least 100 cats adopted, AC&C will bring several felines in its Mobile Adoption Center to Petco in Union Square on Friday, July 25, from 4-7 pm. Potential adopters can meet great cats available for adoption daily at AC&C's three Care Centers, open 12 pm - 7 pm:

Manhattan - 326 East 110th Street

Brooklyn - 2336 Linden Boulevard

Staten Island - 3139 Veterans Road West

AC&C's Mobile Adoption Center will also be at the Cobble Hill Animal Clinic from 12-4 pm on Sunday, July 27, with adorable cats (including Hyena, pictured above) as well as dogs up for adoption.

In addition, those looking to adopt can visit AC&C's website at www.nycacc.org to view animals (available on a first come first served basis at the care centers).

All AC&C adoptions include vaccinations, a microchip, spay/neuter, a free office visit at a participating veterinarian and a free identification tag.