Kittypalooza a huge success

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A pile of kittens at Norfolk Animal Care Center are hoping to claw their way into your heart for good.

Four hundred kittens have come through the doors of the center in the last two months.

"Day in and day out every cage is full. We're scrambling to find different opportunities for all the animals here. We want people to adopt, we're looking for foster homes, looking for people to volunteer, anything can help," said Barbara Hays, Bureau Manager.

In May, nearly 700 animals were brought in and so far the center is on track to top that number in June. There are only 150 cages available in the center and Hays said the outlook for many of the animals, especially the cats, is bleak.

"So far this month over 100 cats have been euthanized simply because every shelter is this full. There aren't any partners. We need a whole bunch of adopters in committed homes and committed owners in the community," she said.

So, the center decided to host a party to encourage adoptions.

"Our theme for Kittypalooza Thursday through Sunday will be tie-dye, peace, love, shag carpet, anything 60's, we'll have great music, it will be a whole lot of fun," said Hayes.

The center is offering special adoption rates during Kittypalooza - $25 for one cat and $40 for two. The fee includes vaccinations, spay/neuter and a microchip.

As Charles Dickens once said, "What is a greater gift than the love of a cat?" Look into the calming eyes of a resting cat and you'll find the answer.

"We have somebody for everybody," said Hayes.

It turned out to be a huge success. From Thursday through Sunday, the center found homes for 91 cats and kittens. 12 dogs and a bunny were also adopted during that period. "It was incredible and exhausting and worth every ounce of effort it took to make it happen," said Barbara Hays, with  the Norfolk Animal Care Center.

Norfolk Animal Care Center is located at 5585 Sabre Road. The special adoption rates also extend to two Petco locations at Janaf Shopping Center and the Princess Anne store in Virginia Beach.

Click here to visit the Norfolk Animal Care Center website.