It’s the season to be giving. And what better gift than to give a homeless feline a forever home?

The Humane Society of Freeborn County and the Albert Lea Animal Shelter are both filled to capacity with cats in need of homes.

“There are way too many homeless cats right now,” said Christa Stieler, director of the Humane Society.

Following is just a small sampling of the available pets.

Cats in foster care through the Humane Society of Freeborn County are:

Lucky: Lucky, a young male, was picked up as a stray. He will do best in a one- or two-cat home as he has a medical condition that makes him drink a lot and use his box a lot. He gets protective of his water. He also needs to be on special food and it’s difficult when there are multiple cats and he wants to eat their food.

Safari: Safari’s situation is urgent; her foster home won’t be able to keep her much longer. Safari was left at a house when her owners moved out without her. She gets along well with her other two kitty friends in her foster home. She’s up to date on shots and is spayed and litter-box trained.

Becket: Becket is an adult long-haired male cat found hiding under a vending machine at a truck stop during a snowstorm. He had been there for three or four days. He was brought to the Humane Society thin, full of fleas and with a frost-bitten ear. He’s now rid of the fleas and has gained weight. He’s a little shy at first, but once he warms up, he loves to be petted. He gets along well with other cats and children too.

Sampson and Helen: These littermates need a home together. They are special needs kittens who are both deaf. They were rescued from a farm and taken in. They’re up to date on shots and will be spayed or neutered before being adopted. They’d do best in a home without children.

Tiggie: Tiggie is a young female cat. She’s very playful and even fetches. She is spayed and up to date on vaccinations. She’s affectionate and purrs. She gets along well with other cats and knows her name and the meaning of “no.”

Mandy: Mandy is a young female cat who appeared on someone’s doorstep with her three kittens. She’s blossomed in foster care and is very affectionate and likes to roll around so she can be petted all over. She gets along well with other cats and would do best in a home with older children. She is spayed, litter-box trained and up to date on her shots.

For information on adopting any of these cats or any of the others through the Humane Society, call 377-8501.

These felines are available for adoption through the Albert Lea Animal Shelter:

Rose: Rose, a tortoiseshell female, has been at the shelter since September. She’s between 3 and 4 years old and needs to be an only cat.

Linus: This 1-year-old orange and white longhaired cat was found on a doorstep. He’s very friendly.

Lucy: Lucy is a female adult dilute calico. She’s got a great personality, loves being held and petted and gets along very well with other cats.

Gatsby: Gatsby, an adult male, has a great personality and is very loving. He’s humble and sweet and would make a great companion. He has one droopy ear, which adds to his charm.

Peppermint Patty: This striped female The orange and white longhaired female has a good personality and is a real couch potato.

For information on adopting any of these shelter pets, call the Dispatch Center at the Law Enforcement Center, 377-5200, and ask for the animal shelter.

Both the shelter and the Humane Society have many other pets available for adoption as well.