For the past few months, the Lawrence County Animal Shelter has been dealing with an overpopulation of cats, with its cat room nearly full.

As a result, the shelter has lowered the adoption fee for cats throughout the summer, with the $10 special extended through September. This fee covers the cat’s first combo shots.

On Tuesday, the shelter waived the fee entirely, as part of a one-day special for Labor Day.

Director Denise Paulus said, as of noon, they already had 14 people come in for adoptions.

In addition, those coming in Tuesday received a certificate from the Lawrence County Humane Society for a free spay or neuter.

“This is part of a collaboration we did with them,” Paulus said.

She said the goal in offering the specials is to relieve the crowding at the shelter.

“It’s not good for them,” she said. “This is about doing what is best for the animals.”

She said they hope, after the cat room is cleared, to use the opportunity to give a good, thorough cleaning.

“This will reduce the risk of communicable diseases for them,” Paulus said.

The Lawrence County Animal Shelter, located at 1302 Adams Lane in Ironton, is a low-kill facility and is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.