Humane society shelter is full

PUHI — Kauai Humane Society has cats coming out of its ears.

The shelter is filled to capacity with all types of animals right now.

There are 160 dogs up for adoption. That’s average for this time of year, said Scott Pisani, executive director at KHS. What’s unusual is the number of cats.

“We have twice the number of cats we normally have this time of year,” Pisani said. “And we’ve been transferring more out and increasing adoptions.”

Last year at this time, KHS was housing and caring for 130 cats and kittens. Right now there are 250 being cared for and available for adoption.

“We’re trying to figure out what’s happening,” Pisani said. “From what we can tell right now, it’s that — we believe — KHS is gaining more community trust.”

Summer is “kitten season” nearly everywhere, and there’s always an uptick in the number of cats arriving at KHS during the summer months.

But Pisani thinks community members are beginning to trust KHS with their animals instead of finding ways to adopt them out themselves.

“Any tamed cats we’re trying to adopt out,” he said. “We’re building a strong relationship with the community.”

He’s confident that KHS can meet the demand and find homes for the increased number of cats, because KHS has done so in the past and he’s ready to think outside the box.

“We find there’s lots of people that can benefit from having an animal, a cat,” Pisani said.

Rentals sometimes allow cats before dogs, he said, and specials on adoption fees can encourage people to choose to adopt a cat.

In August, for example, KHS is offering $20 adoption fees for all cats, kittens and dogs. Feline Fridays, where adopting a cat or kitten costs $5, are offered year-round.

“Our community has been so supportive,” Pisani said. “We’d love to see the community step forward with this and help out with the cats — but we’re very full with both dogs and cats.”