As shelters reach capacity and reports of animal cruelty persist, one local rescue is turning to Halloween to help find homes for its resident felines. 

“We have 67 cats here right now, and that’s more than we should have,” said Sara Penhallegon, director and founder of Center Valley Animal Rescue (CVAR). “We are constantly getting contacted about cruelty cases and things like that, so we need to make room for more cruelty victims to come in.” 

CVAR later clarified it has 78 cats in its custody, with 11 living with inmates at Clallam Bay Correctional Facility through its prison program.

In an effort to make room, CVAR launched a social media campaign showcasing adoptable cats and kittens each day throughout the month of October, with the hopes that their content will win the hearts and minds of the perfect soon-to-be pet parent.

“The social media campaign that is the Kitty Countdown to Halloween is just a fun way to have a series of content for the Halloween season that will help us promote all of our cats here that we have at CVAR,” said CVAR Fundraising Coordinator Cass Medel. “Some have been with us for a very long time, so we really want to finally find them a home. We really want to let the community know they are here and that they need homes.”

So far this year, CVAR has taken in 274 animals from 10 cruelty cases across Jefferson, Mason and Clallam counties. 

“I’m feeling like this is the new normal, unfortunately,” Penhallegon said. “I would like to say it is more people reporting it versus more people actually abusing animals.” 

CVAR’s adoption fees — $100 for cats and $150 for kittens — are minimal compared to the cost CVAR incurs to prepare each animal for adoption, Penhallegon said. 

When it comes to deciding which cats to feature on which day, Medel said she confers with other CVAR staff before taking to social media. 

“Everyone will get mentioned at some point,” Medel promised. 

CVAR has featured several cats and kittens, including Popcorn and KitKat, Rogue, Nolan and Zappy, Turbo, Chloe, Dudley and Captain Picard. 

Popcorn, along with KitKat,  featured on Oct. 1, was adopted on Oct. 8, proving that what CVAR is doing is working. 

Each kitten has a unique personality, which Medel makes sure to include in the social media posts. 

Dudley, described as a “dashing gentleman with a heart of gold,” loves attention, pets and cuddles. 

The “adorable” Captain Picard is curious, playful and loves to snuggle. 

Chloe, a longtime CVAR resident, is “really fat,” Penhallgon said. 

“We really need to get her a home that can actually monitor her food intake instead of being in a group cat room where she can eat everyone’s portion,” she said. “It will be great to see her get a home.” 

That sentiment goes for all cats at CVAR. 

“We want to get all of our adoptable animals out in homes, because that is what they deserve; they deserve a home of their own and not to be here forever,” Penhallegon said. “We are happy to keep them here until they find a home, but our goal is to get them into homes.” 

Those interested in adoption are encouraged to visit CVAR’s website and its attached PetFinder page.