MSPCA-Angell Holding Urgent One-Day Fee-Waived Adoption Event for Adult Cats

Organization Calls for Cat Adopters as Population Surges

BOSTON, July 15, 2026—Adoption fees will be waived for adult cats at all four MSPCA-Angell adoption centers on Friday, July 17, as the organization works to relieve an unusually high shelter cat population and make room for hundreds of additional cats expected in the coming weeks, the organization announced today.

The emergency fee-waived adoption event is being held to move some of the more than 350 cats currently in its care.

“We don’t often waive adoption fees for cats, let alone healthy, young ones, but capacity is extremely tight right now,” said Jamie Garabedian, Project Manager for the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division.

“In addition to the high number of cats we have in our care, we have had a significant number surrendered by local owners as well as scheduled relocations from partner shelters that count on us. For example, we received a surrender request this week involving approximately 20 cats from a local pet owner who was overwhelmed. We are able to help them, but my biggest concern is that, without a large number of cats being adopted, we won’t have the flexibility to respond to other urgent local needs like these over the coming days and weeks.”

According to Garabedian, early summer is typically a slower time for cat adoptions, but 2026 has been especially slow—cat adoptions from the MSPCA-Angell between January and June 2026 are down nearly 7% compared with the same period in 2025. This, combined with increased cat arrivals, has resulted in more cats spending longer periods in the shelter while awaiting homes.

“We currently have a large population of healthy young cats waiting for homes,” Garabedian noted. “Typically, cats like these are adopted within days—or even hours—of becoming available, but they have been waiting longer than usual. We also have several higher-need cats who have been waiting for months, such as those who need additional medical or behavioral support, and we would especially love to help them find homes.”

Capacity Constraints Could Affect Relocation Efforts

The MSPCA-Angell has been busy helping partner shelters in other states that rely on the organization to help keep their own cat populations manageable. A slowdown in adoptions in Massachusetts may force the organization to reduce or cancel scheduled relocations.

“We have been taking in relocated cats from our partner shelters during moments of need, and we really don’t want to have to reduce the number of cats we are able to take in,” Garabedian explained. “We are expecting a flight of cats from Texas on Saturday that we may be forced to cancel. Texas is already facing a severe pet overpopulation crisis, and many of its relocation partners have suspended transports because of concerns surrounding the New World screwworm. The shelter we work with is outside the affected area, but our partners are still feeling the impact of relocation restrictions.”

With proper protocols in place, as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, relocation is perfectly safe, and Garabedian hopes the organization can give these cats a chance to find homes here in Massachusetts while also providing relief to their partner shelters.

“We know there are prospective cat adopters in Massachusetts who are ready to open their homes, and by doing so, they can help us support vulnerable cats—and shelters—across the country.”

Adopt a Cat! 

The one-day emergency fee-waived adoption event for cats ages 1 and older will take place during regular adoption hours at all four MSPCA-Angell adoption centers. During the event, adoption fees, which range between $100 and 250, will be waived.

No appointment is necessary. Most adoptions are expected to be completed the same day, and adopters are encouraged to prepare their homes in advance for the arrival of their new feline family member. The event is sponsored by the Catvocate Group.

“We haven’t held this kind of event in several years,” said Garabedian. “We’re really hoping that people hear our call for help and give these cats the amazing homes they deserve.”

More information is available at www.mspca.org/catevent.