The center is promoting the adoption of adult cats, which require payment of only a large bag of Purina cat or kitten chow or a large package of clumping litter — while adopting a kitten will require a payment of $75.

The adoptions will take place at the rescue center at 1101 13th Ave. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

It’s harder to entice people to adopt adult cats, as kittens are “cute and playful, and some families like to see (those kittens) grow up,” said center Board of Directors President Shari Routch.

Still, adult cats have their own appeal, including a fully developed personality, Routch said.

Second Chance Strays is hosting an adoption event on Saturday to find homes for needy animals. Courtesy photo

Moreover, adult cats have generally outgrown their frisky stage, which can make things easier, especially for some families, Routch said.

All cats eligible for adoption are spayed or neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations, thanks to a partnership with the veterinary staff of the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society, according to Routch.

Second Chance Strays recently transitioned from a limited liability company to a nonprofit organization.

That has meant forming a nonprofit board.

The organization has applied to the Internal Revenue Service for 501(c)(3) status, so individuals and businesses that donate can deduct those donations from their tax liability — and so the organization can apply for grants from the many sources that only award grants to 501(c)(3) organizations.

Adult cats can be adopted with the donation of a large bag of Purina cat or kitten chow or a large package of clumping litter; adopting a kitten will require a payment of $75 at Second Chance Strays' "Clear the Kennel" event Saturday.

Routch hopes the 501(c)(3) designation is made soon.

The board is composed of “huge cat lovers” who plan to provide “direction and guidance for the rescue (operation), so that it can continue to do its good work into the future,” Routch said.

The transition from limited liability corporation to nonprofit occurred after Routch reached out to Second Chance Strays owner Summer Socie a little more than a year ago, after Routch saw a Facebook appeal for donations.

“I said I would like to help in a different way than regular volunteers (do),” Routch said. “To help her raise more money.”

Socie started her cat rescue career at age 16, when she nursed a stray that wandered into her mom’s backyard behind UPMC Altoona.

“I kept on helping strays,” said Socie, now 24. “It just turned into this.”

Socie took over the Nine Lives Cat Lounge in Hollidaysburg when it closed, and moved it to its current location in Altoona, so there would be more room for rescues, Routch said.

“I’ve always loved animals,” Socie said.

She had cats, dogs and guinea pigs while growing up.

“I believe every cat deserves a second chance,” Socie said. “It’s a no-cat-left-behind kind of thing.”

Cats come to the center when people alert Socie of strays or injured or abandoned cats, or ones that have grown up wild, or when there’s an emergency and temporary housing is needed, Routch said.

The center runs a foster program.

Routch and her family have three cats, including Otis, a “foster fail.”

“Fail” is ironic in this case: Routch and her husband Mike fell in love with Otis and didn’t want to let him go.

“He loves to snuggle,” Routch said. “He’s the sweetest little boy.”

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.