Alberta Animal Services in Red Deer is dedicating the next 11 months to cats.

The shelter will celebrate 2011 as the ‘Year of the Cat’.

“We want to promote and make this year all about cats,” said Erica Coomber, shelter administrator for Riverside Kennels and Alberta Animal Services. “We are really hoping to increase our adoptions this year.”

The local animal shelter is hoping to adopt out 100 cats before the end of the year. It is a lofty goal since in 2010 only 14 cats were adopted from the shelter.

“I’m confident we’ll be able to meet our goal,” said Coomber. “We’re going to be really stepping up and promoting our public relations this year and we’ll be hosting more adoption days like we did on Saturday.

“Exposure for us is key.”

Also in 2011, the shelter will be partnering up with Whisker Rescue Society Red Deer and Area.

“Where ever we are Whisker Rescue will be and where ever they are, we’ll be,” said Coomber. “We’ll be going to events together and hoping to get better exposure that way as well.”

The two organizations first teamed up in 2009 in hopes of being able to rescue and save the lives of more cats, placing them in forever homes.

Cats for adoption at Alberta Animal Services are $75 plus the cost to be spayed or neutered. This cost also includes up to date vaccinations and micro-chipping.

In addition to cats, Coomber added the shelter currently has 15 dogs up for adoption.

“No one has come for these dogs and we’re really struggling for people to come and adopt from us,” she said.

For more information visit www.albertaanimalservices.ca. Animals available for adoption can be viewed on the site.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com