NATCHEZ — JoAnne Phipps sat holding a dozing cat in Stine Lumber’s entryway Saturday.

The cat, Fanny, was from the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society. Fanny and a number of other cats were being shown to shoppers in an effort to get them adopted.

Phipps’ and Marie Gasquet’s love of cats inspire them to regularly bring cats from the shelter to Stine Lumber in Natchez and the Home Hardware Center in Vidalia to try and get the cats adopted.

“It’s worth our Saturdays to try and save the cats,” Phipps said.

It’s one of many ways the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society works with community volunteers to try and find homes for the animals who find their way to the shelter.

When it comes to cats, Phipps said the shelter usually has a high number because cats can start having kittens at the age of 5 months. After that, cats can have approximately three litters a year.

As of Saturday, the Humane Society was housing 66 cats and kittens and had approximately 20 more in foster care.

Kathy Fitch, Natchez-Adams County Humane Society president, said the shelter is so crowded that residents who want to surrender their cats and kittens are being put on a waiting list until room opens up.

“We are taking some on an emergency basis. Otherwise they are going on the waiting list,” she said.

Reducing the number of unwanted animals is one of the reasons getting animals spayed and neutered is so important, Fitch said.

“It doesn’t take long for them to multiply,” Ginna Holyoak, volunteer for the Humane Society and Mississippi Spay and Neuter, said.

Currently, the shelter is adopting cats out two for the price of one, $35, which includes vaccinations and a spay or neuter surgery.

But for those who already have animals, getting them spayed and neutered is still important.

“It’s not a cheap thing if you don’t have assistance but it’s definitely something that should be done,” Holyoak said.

That’s why Mississippi Spay and Neuter offers vouchers to discount the price of surgery. Everyone is eligible and the discount is based on income.

“Through this fund we’ve already helped over 900 spay and neuter surgeries,” Holyoak said.

The Humane Society also works to foster cats out to increase their chances of getting adopted. But it’s not always easy.

“We really need people who will volunteer to foster,” Phipps said.

Cats who are feral or difficult to adopt have slightly different options, such as the Barn Cat Program. At the event Saturday, Molly and Adam Miller, who are participants in the program, visited Phipps.

“We definitely take cats when we can,” Molly Miller said.

The Millers adopted two cats and received two others from the Barn Cat Program. With their home in the country, the Millers were able to take in two feral cats that live on the property.

“They’re good for rats, good for snakes,” Adam Miller said.

It’s a lot of different initiatives to help cats, but it’s something Phipps believes is worth it. “We are just committed to finding them homes,” Phipps said.

For those interested in volunteering or adopting, the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society can be reached at 601-442-4001.

The Mississippi Spay and Neuter voucher program can be reached at 1-866-901-7729.