LEWISTON — The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society will bring 45 cats to Maine from New Jersey to help an animal shelter overburdened in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

The cats, all adults, will arrive in Maine on Thursday and will be sent to shelters throughout the state, including those in Farmington, Bangor, Westbrook, Windham and Waterville. The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society in Lewiston will take 10 of the cats and will waive their adoption fees.

“The most important thing for the cats is to find good homes, and we know that here in the state of Maine, we can do that and we’re glad to help,” said Steve Dostie, executive director of the Lewiston shelter. “It’s not one shelter taking them, so it’s not going to be a hardship for one area to take in five or 10 cats.”

The Lewiston shelter had been overloaded with cats and kittens until recently. Promotions and reduced adoption fees helped find homes for those cats and cleared enough room at the shelter to allow it to house more animals.

Representatives from the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society will drive to New Jersey on Wednesday and return Thursday. The cats were not victims of Hurricane Sandy, but their departure will make room for animals that were.

“There are so many people who don’t have their home and probably can’t take care of (their pets), so they’re bringing them in,” Dostie said. “Or there are stray cats that are coming in and they have to make room for those strays.”

The cats will be available for adoption in Lewiston this weekend.

ltice@sunjournal.com

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