FARMINGTON — The Franklin County Animal Shelter took in eight new kittens Thursday, adding to the nearly 20 living there. They join 40 cats waiting for a home.

With the help of a private donor, the shelter is offering a chance for cat owners to have their female cats spayed, given a health exam and rabies vaccine for $35. The shelter will transport cats to the Freeport spay/neuter clinic and return with them later in the day.

On July 11 and again on Aug. 6,  preregistered cat owners who have prepaid with cash can drop off their cats at the shelter at 6 a.m., Nancy Simmons, a shelter employee, said.

A volunteer will drive the shelter’s van to Freeport and wait to return with them, she said. The shelter will call owners with a time to pick them up once she leaves Freeport.

A donor is covering the costs above $35, Simmons said.

“This is an amazing deal and thanks to a donor we are able to offer this to Franklin County residents and residents in Livermore, Livermore Falls and Vienna,” Heidi Jordan, executive director of the shelter, said.

The shelter has worked with the Freeport Clinic for some time, Simmons said. This opportunity also opens the door for some shelter cats to receive treatment, she said.

The shelter recommends spaying/neutering at 8 weeks or when the kitten weighs more than two pounds.

Volunteers are always welcome to come play, hold and brush the cats and kittens, something there is limited time for as the staff to do, staff members said.

Those interested in the July 11 clinic must preregister by Saturday, July 7. If there are not enough cats ready for the clinic, the event for July will be canceled.

For more information, call the shelter at 778-2638.

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