By Amanda McGregor
STAFF WRITER
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SALEM — Five-year-old Nicky will be looking for a home this weekend.
The affectionate, roly-poly, 30-pound feline will be among the homeless cats at an Adopt-A-Thon where a coalition of animal rescue groups is offering deeply discounted adoption fees for cats age 1 year and older.
"What happens in most shelters this time of year is there are a lot of kittens available for adoption," said Patty McNamara, an adoption counselor at the Northeast Animal Shelter. "When the kittens come in, the adult adoptions slow way down, and it's hard to place adults."
The Northeast Animal Shelter, on Highland Avenue in Salem, will host the Adopt-A-Thon tomorrow and Sunday, featuring cats from Northeast, Peabody Animal Life Savers (PALS) and MassPAWS in Winthrop.
"We're excited to partner with other rescue organizations to help find homes for these wonderful adult cats," said Gail Wakefield, president of PALS, whose adoption center is in PetSmart on Traders Way in Salem.
The Adopt-A-Thon is part of the MSPCA's monthlong Feline 500 event to find homes for 500 cats.
Approximately 50 cats will be available for adoption at the Adopt-A-Thon.
"We try to explain to people that cats have a very long life span," McNamara said. "Everyone likes kittens because they are so cute, but you don't know their temperament. When they're adults, you can match them up to what a person is looking for."
The adoptable cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations.
The rescue agencies' adoption fees vary, so the discounted fees during the Adopt-A-Thon will be between $50 and $75, according to Laurie McCannon, development director at Northeast Animal Shelter.
Want to adopt?
What: Adopt-A-Thon for adult cats 1 year and older
When: Tomorrow and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem
Cost: Reduced adoption fees ranging from $50 to $75. Cats have already been spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
Adoption tips
Bring proof of home ownership, or contact information for a landlord and proof of landlord permission.
Entire families are encouraged to be present when choosing a new pet.
If you own a carrier, bring it. Otherwise, carriers will be available for a small fee.
