The Marin Humane Society is contending with a glut of 34 new cats after a nocturnal dump at its Novato shelter.
The nonprofit says the black-and-white “tuxedo” cats and kittens were apparently abandoned by the same people who ditched cats at the shelter four other times in the past four years.
Including the new batch, the dumpers have unloaded more than 130 cats in all.
The shelter, which was already around capacity with 135 cats and kittens before the dump, is performing spaying and neutering operations, medical evaluations, vaccinations and microchipping on the new arrivals. To help prevent overcrowding at the shelter, the Marin Humane Society is waiving all adoption fees for adult cats through the end of September.
In addition, donors who give $500 or more to the shelter will be able to name a cat.
The organization has not identified the people who dumped the cats. The latest incident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. Sunday. The dumpers left the cats in cardboard boxes with a note asking the shelter to find them homes.
“No one will be held liable or be in trouble for abandoning the cats but we’re hopeful the responsible party will get in touch with us to provide needed information,” said spokeswoman Lisa Bloch. “While we’re grateful the kitties are safe with us, we want to find out who’s responsible for the overbreeding so we can offer assistance — for any cats remaining and for the people involved. If left unaltered, cats can be prolific breeders.”
The Marin Humane Society can be reached at 415-506-6259.