Baltimore County Shelter Offers Free Cats, Kittens

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Around the state, 20 animal control and adoption centers are participating in a cat adoption event through the end of July in hopes of helping 2,000 cats and kittens find homes. Baltimore County Animal Services is among them.

The initiative is called the "Maryland 2,000," and the event is in its second year.

“Last year, we collectively surpassed the goal of the Maryland 2,000 by finding homes for 2,395 cats and kittens in July during our first ever, coordinated state-wide adoption event,” Melissa Jones, director of Baltimore County Animal Services, said in a statement.

The event coincides with the deluge of kittens born during the summer months, which has led shelters to dub the time "kitten season."

To help find homes for felines during the month of July, these shelters are offering free cat and kitten adoptions: Allegany County Animal Shelter, Animal League of Queen Anne’s County, Anne Arundel County Animal Control, Baltimore County Animal Services, Baltimore Humane Society, BARCS, Baywater Animal Rescue, Cecil County Animal Services, City of College Park Animal Control, Frederick County Division of Animal Control & Adoptions, Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center, Humane Society of Carroll County, Humane Society of Harford County, Humane Society of Kent County, Humane Society of Washington County, Maryland SPCA, Prince George County Animal Services Division, Talbot County Humane Society, Tri-County Animal Shelter and Wicomico County Humane Society.

Last year, adoptions increased by 26 percent altogether at the shelters compared to the year before.

“Working together to spread the word really does make a difference," Jones said.

While fees are waived during the month of July for adopting cats and kittens, regular adoption procedures still apply.

To help encourage people to adopt, the Cat Hospital At Towson — which is a sponsor of the Maryland 2,000 — has offered a free feline wellness exam at its location at 6701 York Road to those who get a certificate for adopting in July from Baltimore County Animal Services, Baltimore Humane Society, BARCS or the Maryland SPCA.

Several cats are looking for their forever homes at Baltimore County Animal Services (1300 Manor Road), including Leo. Because he tends to be a sleepyhead, people may pass him by, according to the shelter, which made this video to help bring him out into the public eye. He has been at the shelter since June 9.

Watch Leo's video, in which he imitates a turtle:

How To Adopt

Baltimore County Animal Services is located at 13800 Manor Road in Baldwin.

Still picture of Leo from Baltimore County Animal Services video and picture of Trixie, the longhaired cat who is available for adoption at Baltimore County Animal Services.