Fourth annual Kitty Hall event return to raise awareness and encourage cat adoptions
Something magical is happening next Monday, and it’s not taking place in the sky. On Aug. 21, kittens will once again descend on City Hall, when Mayor Ed Murray proclaims it “Kitty Hall” for the day for the fourth consecutive year and the public is invited to meet, greet and cuddle kittens.
WHAT: Seattle Animal Shelter’s Fourth Annual Kitty Hall
WHEN: Monday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
WHERE: Seattle Kitty Hall’s Bertha Knight Landes Room, 600 Fourth Ave.
The centerpiece of the Kitty Hall event is the enclosed kitten tent, where the public is invited to enter and play with kittens, many of which will be available for adoption that day. The intoxicating draw of kittens has been evident at previous Kitty Hall events, where attendees waited in long lines just for a couple of minutes with the kittens. This year, the Seattle Animal Shelter will host at least two kitten tents to reduce wait times.
Returning this year is the “Kitty Council,” which features adoptable adult cats vying to be named the “Kitty Council president.” The shelter is asking attendees to make donations and vote for their favorite candidate. The event will also include a kitten photo booth and educational displays about the Seattle Animal Shelter and its programs, and Seattle residents will be able to purchase pet licenses for their cats and dogs.
SAS cat foster parent Lauren Foster has volunteered at previous Kitty Hall events and offered a word of warning to attendees.
“Your cheeks are going to hurt from smiling so much,” she said.
Kitty Hall highlights the shelter’s foster care program and promotes shelter cat adoptions. Many of the kittens and the three cats at Monday’s event will be available for on-site adoption, and potential adopters can place “first choice” holds on the kittens that are currently too young for adoption.
“This event is one of our favorites, because it not only calls attention to adopting shelter animals and the incredible cats in our care, it’s also an event that makes everyone happy,” said Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter acting director. “Kitty Hall brings awareness to the important, lifesaving work that we do, which ultimately helps us to save more lives. It’s a great family event where you can to learn more about the Seattle Animal Shelter and add a new furry companion to your household.”
Mayor Murray and the Seattle Animal Shelter created the first Kitty Hall in 2014. At least nine other cities and rescue organizations across the United States have since adopted the idea for their own Kitty Hall events.
The Seattle Animal Shelter, located at 2061 15th Ave. W., is open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday for adoptions and licensing. For more information, call 206-386-PETS (7387) or visit http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.