Baltimore area shelters have been racing to save 500 cats and kittens in June -- and the month is almost up.

From June 1 through 21 the shelters found homes for 344 cats and kittens. That puts the groups on target to reach goal -- but only if people keep adopting kitties....and there are plenty left.

The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS), the Maryland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and Baltimore Humane Society launched the Baltimore 500 Race to Save Lives with a goal of getting 500 cats and kittens adopted. All three shelters have waived adoption fees for cats and kittens for the entire month of June. 

Six local veterinary clinics are offering free exams for cats and kittens adopted at participating shelters 

Cats and kittens adopted from BARCS are spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies and bordatella, de-wormed, Felv tested, and provided with a flea preventative, a general examination, a food sample, and a month of free health insurance.

“It is so wonderful to see the people of the Baltimore area opening their hearts and homes to cats and kittens during this campaign,” Jennifer Mead-Brause, Executive Director of BARCS, said in a statement.  “We still have plenty of wonderful cats and kittens who need new homes.  This is the best time to consider adoption.  And if you already have a cat and kitten, this is the very best time to adopt a playmate for him or her.”  

Photograph of bewitching black and white kitten, AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez.