STAFF at the City of Ballarat are encouraging people to adopt cats from the Ballarat Animal Shelter, which is nearing full feline capacity.
New homes are being sought to make room for incoming animals who will also need to be rehomed.
To make a feline pet more enticing, adoption fees for adult cats have dropped from the standard cost of $140 to $50.
The opportunity is available until Friday 30 June, and City of Ballarat deputy-mayor Cr Amy Johnson invited everyone to consider a cat for their family.
“Cats are wonderful, low maintenance pets to have around the home and can be a great addition to your family,” she said.
“Why not consider an adopted cat as your first pet, the great team at the Animal Shelter can help you make the right decision for you and your family.”
Although the shelter saw a successful month of 122 animals adopted throughout May, 86 of which were cats, there are still more than 150 felines waiting to be homed.
With many of the shelter’s current cats offered for adoption as an individual pet, municipal staff are inviting people to decide whether one will fit into their family.
The adoption fee also means the cat will be desexed and microchipped as well as having gone through all flea and worming procedures, and veterinary checks.
The cat will also be registered with the municipality if owners live in the region, and once adopted, owners will need to keep their felines inside due to a cat curfew active between sunset and sunrise.
Those interested can call the Ballarat Animal Shelter on 5334 2075 or visit the organisation’s website to be matched with a suitable cat.