The BC SPCA is hoping that offering British Columbians a deep discount on cat adoptions will free up space in its shelters across the province.

The animal welfare organization announced Monday it would offer half-price adoption rates for adult cats until July 26, in a bid to clear out some shelter spaces.

The agency deals with a huge influx of cats in the warmer summer seasons, and community relations manager Lorie Chortyk hopes the offer will tempt cat lovers who have been considering taking the plunge and bringing a new furry companion into their home.

Chortyk says most people coming in rush to get a kitten, even though adult cats have their own charms: Most are housebroken, and most are calmer than their youthful counterparts.

"Their personalities are already developed, so potential adopters are more fully aware of what they’re going to get," she said.

The offer is valid for all BC SPCA locations across B.C., and includes cats six months of age and older. Six month old cats can still appear quite young, but at that age they can already have litters, says Tricia Leslie of the BC SPCA.

Adoption fees vary by branch, but normally range between $90 and $175, and include microchip/tattoo as well as spay/neuter surgery, if necessary.

The BC SPCA cares for more than 15,000 cats and kittens each year in B.C.