When people first walk into the Humane Society, they hear the tiny mewls of kittens and become captivated by their big eyes and chubby faces. While the young kittens get adopted quickly, the older cats sit and wait for their loving homes, often for the rest of their lives.

Luckily, the Humane Society of Missouri has started “Purrs-Day” in which people can adopt cats older than six months of age for a fee-waived price on Thursdays. This means people can take home their new furry friends for as little as $35 as opposed to regular prices ranging from $50 to $70.

“Each of our adoptable cats has received extra TLC, been examined by trained professionals for good health and temperament and socialized by Humane Society of Missouri staff and volunteers,” the representative on the Humane Society’s webpage said.

Although it is cheap to adopt an older cat, they still come with necessities such as a feline leukemia test, a microchip and important vaccinations to keep them safe from diseases.

“I definitely hope people adopt older cats because people are so focused on the kittens,” sophomore Kailyn Dossett said. “I think older cats also need a home.”

Although younger kittens need more attention and housebreaking, most older cats are set aside since people have the mindset that older cats are not energetic or cuddly like kittens. However, that stereotype is false according to freshman Mary Claire Moriarity.

“I think that stereotype is just the cat’s environment. My grandmother’s cat isn’t old but she isn’t a kitten, but she’s still really sweet,” Moriarity said. “The only time I’ve heard her hiss is when my sister is picking her up and trying to mess with her.”

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), of all the cats in shelters, only 37 percent are adopted and 41 percent are euthanized through an injection.

“These animals may have been euthanized due to overcrowding, but may also have been sick, aggressive, injured or suffering from something else,” the representative on the Humane Society’s webpage said.

By adopting an older cat, people can save a cat’s life from euthanization.

“I hope that the older cats get adopted because of this, because it’s sad when they either live in the pound forever or die,” Moriarity said. “They’ll probably not survive long if people don’t adopt them. It’ll be easier for them to be adopted.”

Purrs-Day discounts are at any Missouri shelter anytime on a Thursday. If you want to adopt a cat from the Humane Society, make sure to check out the information on their adoption page.