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GREENSBORO — Dozens of cats found new homes, and dozens more went to foster care after a recent plea from the Guilford County Animal Shelter for help with crowding.

About 110 cats found what animal lovers like to call “furever homes” since June 1 after adoption fees were slashed. A good number of those adoptions came after information went out last week about crowding at the shelter, said Executive Director Marsha Williams.

“We made a pretty good dent in the cat adoptions,” she said.

Publicity about the dilemma brought in people interested not only in adopting, but also in fostering, Williams said. That helped create space at the shelter, which had overflowed last week with about 800 cats and kittens.

“We have a little bit of space now, which we didn’t at one point,” she said.

Williams isn’t sure why cat adoptions had slowed so much, but speculated the tough economy might have played a role.

The shelter last month reduced the cost to adopt felines, from $80 to $20 for adult cats and $47.50 for kittens.

That money helps pay to prepare the pet for adoption, but covers less than one-fourth of the cost. It takes about $400, which includes such necessities as vaccines, flea and tick treatment, and spaying or neutering, Williams said.

Dropping the fee seems to have helped spur adoptions, Williams said. But it has meant shuffling money to cover the loss.

About 30 additional people have offered temporary homes as foster families, Williams said. Some are new to fostering and others are volunteering again.

Out of about 200 animals being fostered since the beginning of the month, about 185 are felines, Williams said. The rest are dogs.

Most animals being fostered are mothers and their babies. Some are sick animals that need special care or would benefit from being separated from other animals. Fostering usually lasts two to eight weeks.

“It is a commitment and we do ask you to foster throughout the foster period,” Williams said. “It’s not a trial to see if you want to adopt.”

The lower adoption fees likely will continue through at least the July 4 holiday, and maybe longer, Williams said.

Meanwhile, more cats come in every day. About 50 are due in because their fostering time is up, she said.

Contact Jennifer Fernandez at 373-7064 or jennifer.fernandez@news-record.com