How Much is That Kitten in the Window?

The Peninsula Humane Society is encouraging San Mateo residents to consider adopting a kitten this weekend should a new pet make a welcome addition to the home.

A number of kittens are among the dozens of cats available for adoption at the humane society's Tom and Annette Lantos Center for Compassion, located at 1450 Rollins Road in Burlingame.

In fact, 11 kittens were just made available for adoption on Friday.

The $95 adoption fee for kittens includes all vaccinations, a health check, behavior screening and microchip form of identification, according to humane society officials.

In additino, kittens are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, which is included in the fee. The adoption fee for adult cats is $80; those age 7+ can be adopted for $50.

Because kittens are adopted so quickly after being made available for adoption, many are not even in the shelter long enough to be featured on PHS/SPCA’s website with other adoptable animals.

Generally, PHS/SPCA sees an increase in incoming kittens in late spring through early fall. This time of the year is often referred to as “kitten season” as it is when a higher percentage of kittens are born and enter shelters.

Adoption hours at PHS/SPCA are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Cats and kittens are located on the third floor. The Center for Compassion is closed Monday for Memorial Day.

All adoptions must be completed in person. PHS/SPCA asks that adopters arrive at least an hour before closing to complete an adoption.

Staff can help potential adopters find the right pet for their home and lifestyle. To speed up the process, potential adopters can bring a completed Adoption Profile with them. This can be downloaded from http://www.peninsulahumanesociety.org/adopt/applications.html.

“Just yesterday, one woman visited specifically to see a kitten, but fell for an older, calmer cat,” said PHS/SPCA spokesperson Scott Delucchi.

“Our staff ‘matchmakers’ do a remarkable job of explaining the benefits of and expectations for mature cats versus kittens for people who may be first-time adopters,” said Delucchi.

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