The Arizona Humane Societys four locations received more than 7,000 more cats during the current eight-month period than it did during the same period last year.
Humane Society spokeswoman Kimberly Noetzel, said a combination of owners giving up more cats and more kittens and stray cats being turned in led to a dramatic spike in the number of cats available for adoption this year.
From November 2004 to June 30, 2005, the Humane Society took in 16,312 cats. But during the same eight-month period this year, more than 23,938 cats were turned in as of June 23.
The sharp increase in animals also could be attributed to this years unusually long breeding season, brought on by a mild winter, according to Noetzel.
So far, the Humane Society hasn't euthanized any of the animals brought to the shelter, but that could change if adoptions don't keep up with the rising numbers.
The Humane Society, which normally offers discounted adoption rates in June during the peak of feline breeding season, says it will now continue the discounted fees for cat adoptions until the end of July.
For information, visit http://www.azhumane.org.
Posted: June 28, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST