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June is Adopt-a-Cat month in Mass.

SPRINGFIELD The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) is launching its Campaign for Cats on June 1, 2007; kicking-off the nationally recognized American Humane Association's Adopt-A-Cat-Month in the Commonwealth. The mission of the MSPCA's Campaign for Cats is to raise awareness and educate the public regarding responsible feline ownership. The Campaign focuses on the benefits of adopting adult cats, the importance of spaying or neutering cats at an early age and how to properly ID cats.

During June, all seven of the MSPCA-Angell's Animal Care and Adoption Centers will offer free "starter kits" to anyone who adopts a cat that is one year or older. The kits include a litter pan, a collar, nail clippers, toys, a four-lb. bag of Hill's Science Diet cat food and a can of Hill's Science Diet wet food.

The MSPCA's Animal Care and Adoption Center in Springfield experiences a drastic influx of kittens and cats during the summer months.

"Of the 8,000 homeless animals received each year at our facility, nearly 6,500 are kittens and cats," said Pamela Peebles, Animal Care and Adoption Center manager. Community outreach and special programs are in full swing to promote adoptions in honor of Adopt-A-Cat-Month.

In addition to looking for homes for kittens, Peebles encourages potential adopters to consider opening their hearts to often overlooked older felines. "Adolescent and adult cats offer many benefits to adopters because you know what you can expect in their appearance, personality and behavior."

Throughout the month of June, the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center will have offsite kitten adoptions every Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at the Northampton Center for Dogs and every Sunday from 9 11 a.m. at the Wal-Mart in Northampton. There are programs at the adoption center to promote adoptions of single kittens with mom; kittens with an adolescent big buddy; and seniors for seniors.

Low cost spay/neuter assistance programs are also available for people that own or care for a homeless cat in their neighborhood.

To find out more about these special events and programs, please call (413) 736-2992 or visit www.mspca.org on the Western New England site. For more information about the MSPCA's Campaign for Cats, including posters available to download, please visit www.mspca.org/cats.