They may not be as spry or lean as kittens, but these cats got some supersized love over the weekend at the local animal shelter.
Four of the 12 fat cats at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington found homes between Friday and Sunday. The adoptions followed The Columbian’s front-page story Saturday detailing the Humane Society’s “Big and Beautiful” promotion, which offers overweight cats through September at discounted prices.
o The Humane Society for Southwest Washington has a sliding-fee scale for cat adoptions, ranging from $80 for kittens younger than 6 months old; $50 for adult cats 6 months through 6 years old; and $25 for senior cats older than 7.
o Fees include sterilization, initial veterinary care and microchipping. The shelter is at 1100 N.E. 192nd Ave.
o The Humane Society for Southwest Washington has a sliding-fee scale for cat adoptions, ranging from $80 for kittens younger than 6 months old; $50 for adult cats 6 months through 6 years old; and $25 for senior cats older than 7.
o Fees include sterilization, initial veterinary care and microchipping. The shelter is at 1100 N.E. 192nd Ave.
o Information: 360-693-4746 or the organization's website.
o Information: 360-693-4746 or the organization’s website.
And if you had your eye on any of the kitties featured in the article, you’re out of luck. Halbert, a 21-pound blue tabby, and Manta Ray, a 19-pound white cat, both were among the cats that went home to new families.
Halbert, coincidentally, was adopted by a Ridgefield resident Friday afternoon — before the story appeared.
The owner was surprised to find her new pet was a celebrity, said Erin Griffin, spokeswoman for the Humane Society.
“She said people were calling and saying, ‘Your fat kitty was on the front page of The Columbian,’ ” Griffin said.
Griffin said she heard from the new owner that Halbert is acclimating to his new home just fine; one of the first things he did was plop down on the couch to relax.
Halbert’s new person, Barb, said: “He acts like he’s lived here 10 years.”
She said Monday afternoon that she has placed the tabby on a strict regimen of Iams diet cat food and doesn’t allow wet food. That has been OK with Halbert because he doesn’t like it much.
Manta Ray was adopted on Sunday by another family. A sociable cat, “he’s just really taken to the family,” Griffin said.
“They’re calling him ‘Ray’ for short,” she added.
There are eight fat cats left for adoption. The “Big and Beautiful” promotion runs until the end of this month, offering the overweight cats at discounted prices. For cats tipping the scale over 14 pounds, the Humane Society will discount adoption fees by $1 for every pound of their weight.
As part of the adoption process, shelter staffers are coaching new owners on the proper diet for the kitties, namely dry food over wet food and smaller portion sizes.
