Never one to turn their backs on an animal or resident in need, the Newtown Animal Control Center staff took in 20 owner-surrendered cats earlier this month.

With so many cats at the shelter, and more anticipated to be surrendered, the group is need of community support.

“We have more coming,” Newtown Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason said. “There are definitely more to come.”

Currently, shelter staff is aiding a local woman who is seeking assistance with the remaining cats in her ownership.

When the shelter receives surrendered cats, many times they come from people in town facing a variety of unfortunate or unforeseen circumstances who acknowledge that they are no longer able to care for the cats on their own.

As of March 26, three cats from the initial 20 have gone to their forever homes and two adoption applications are pending.

The available felines are estimated to range in age from 3 to 14 years old.

There are sociable young cats like Stanley, LaLa, and Flynn; quiet middle-aged gentlemen like Happy; and charming seniors like Doc and Sully. For those with a soft spot for special needs kitties, there is a sweet senior lady named Bashful.

Seven of the owner-surrendered cats — including Happy, Doc, and Bashful — are named after the Seven Dwarfs from Snow White.

“If anyone can put it in their hearts to [adopt] an older cat, we would appreciate that,” Ms Mason said.

All of the cats are well-socialized, spayed/neutered, and are being vaccinated for rabies and microchipped by veterinarian Maria Lagana.

The Newtown Animal Control Center is also being aided by local businesses, including Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital and Your Healthy Pet.

“We will offer ten percent off any orders people want to place with us, and we will also deliver, if that helps,” Your Healthy Pet posted to Newtown Animal Control Center’s Facebook page after the shelter notified the public about needing donations.

Even residents from Newtown and neighboring towns have extended a helping hand.

On March 26, Stacy Faruol of Brookfield came with her friend Lisa Muscatello, also of Brookfield, to drop off about a dozen bags of cat and dog donations after hearing about the need for donations from St Rose of Lima. Ms Faruol’s daughter, Eva, had a joint 13th birthday party with her friend where the girls requested shelter donations instead of presents for themselves.

“I’m overwhelmed with the support we are getting. It makes my job so much easier because people are so compassionate,” Ms Mason said. “We are just so appreciative of everybody.”

Still, the donated items are being used quickly.

Kennel Attendant Amy Sullivan, who has worked on getting the cats adopted by posting their information on social media, says the shelter needs donations like wet and dry food, treats, cleaning supplies, and especially cat litter.

With springtime already here and kitten season just around the corner, the Newtown Animal Control Center is hoping to find all these adoptable cats their loving forever homes.

Those who are interested in adopting cats at the Newtown Animal Control Center, located at 21 Old Farm Road, can visit the shelter Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 3 pm; and Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm. The adoption fee for cats is just $5, and donations are always appreciated. For more information, call 203-426-6900 or visit [naviga:u]facebook.com/newtownanimalcontrolshelter[/naviga:u].