In a 48-hour period this week, more than 50 were surrendered at the Bangor Humane Society. The organization now has 250 cats in its care — 100 of them are in foster care, not at the shelter.

Stacey Coventry, Humane Society spokeswoman, tells the Bangor Daily News summer is always busy for shelters because many cats have litters. Too, the tough economy has made it hard for owners to care for their pets or pay for spaying.

Hoping to thin the burgeoning herd, the shelter is urging people to adopt some of the cats, offering a “name your adoption fee” for those 6 months and older. Cats younger than 6 months can be adopted for $100.