The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is hosting an adoption drive to find homes for the shelter’s adult cats.

According to a statement from the charity, the shelter is at “cat-pacity” with more than 40 cats and a waiting list of more ready to be surrendered to their care.

Interim executive director Deborah Titterton Narraway said: “Like most people we love kittens, they’re so teeny and cute, but we have just as much love for their more mature counterparts. Older cats often get overlooked in our shelter, it is such a shame as they’re such amazing companions, and in a lot of cases, a better fit for your family than a kitten would be.

The “Desperate Housecats” adoption drive will run until Saturday, July 16, and Ms Titterton Narraway stressed that the usual adoption criteria will apply, with photo identification and a permission letter from the landlord required.

“We have reduced the adoption fee to just $25 per cat over the age of one year and will offer a two for one deal for those who just can’t make up their mind,” she said.

Ms Titterton Narraway added: “It costs the Shelter approximately $1,280 per cat for a four-month period, which includes having all cats spayed or neutered, vet checked, vaccinated and wormed, feed, and litter.”

Those who cannot adopt are urged to donate supplies such as Whiskas Dry Cat Food kitten or adult, Friskies Can Cat Food Pate, non-clumping cat litter, climbing trees for cats, toys for the cats, laundry detergent HE. Alternatively, money can be donated through the charity’s website www.spca.bm.

The charity outlined the following ten reasons why people should adopt adult cats:

• What you see is what you get. Adult cats already know who they are. Kittens are undeniably cute, but you never know what the future holds, how large they may get, what their personality will ultimately be, etc. An adorable little kitten will be an adult in the blink of an eye.

• Adult cats aren’t as “chewsy”. Kittens have a tendency to chew things, lots of things. Whether teething or just exploring bits of the world around them, kittens chew on shoes, the corners of books, ear lobes and fingers, carpet tassels, electrical cords, drapery strings, plants, and much, much more. Most adult cats don’t chew inappropriately at all.

• If you have an older cat in your home and are looking for a friend for him or her, another adult cat may be the best choice. Kittens can be too playful and may upset your cat instead of providing companionship. A kitten may cause your resident cat to be more annoyed than amused.

• After a long day at the office, you may just want to come home and curl up with your furry friend. But most kittens prefer an action packed evening — lots of tousling, frolicking, and plenty of running and jumping. An adult cat will greet you at the door and be more than happy to curl up and watch your favourite shows on TV. They’ve already learnt about the unconditional love thing.

• Adult cats may sleep at the foot of your bed, under the bed or in a cosy spot somewhere else in the house, while a kitten will most likely run around all night, doing anything possible to wake you up for more games. Adult cats are generally happy to sleep when you do and don’t try to attack your toes through the blankets in the middle of the night.

• Adult cats won’t be climbing up your leg or your curtains, they won’t be swinging from your chandeliers, knocking down knick-knacks or just running full speed ahead for no good reason.

• Adult cats are usually a better choice for families with small children. Kittens often play rough and are constantly underfoot. They’re sharp, they can’t help it, but kittens are all teeth and claws. Generally speaking, adult cats are more mellow, and often more patient with young children. The experience should be a good one for both the cat and the child. Ask to meet the shelter’s best “kid cats”.

• Adult cats require less attention and supervision. They’re quiet companions. They have well-developed manners, use the litter box and the scratching post without constant reminders.

• Many adult cats end up in shelters due to no fault of their own. Separated from their loved ones, surrounded by other cats, confined, confused, and sometimes frightened, many are emotionally devastated by their misfortune. Sadly, most people gravitate towards the cute, bouncy, big-eyed kittens. Older cats sit by and watch, as one loving family after another passes them over for a cute kitten. Adopting an adult cat is a way to say to a deserving animal “I believe in you”.

• For the abandoned, forgotten, and heartbroken adult cats, you just might be their last chance to have the love and warmth of a home where they can live out their years in comfort. When properly cared for, cats often live well into their late teens or longer. Typically, they will remain active and even playful throughout most of their lives. Once a cat adjusts to a new home where they can feel safe and secure again, they’ll offer years of faithful companionship and unconditional love.

For more information visit www.spca.bm, e-mail info@spca.bm or call 236-7333.