SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Last week, the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri announced it would waive adoption fees for adult cats on New Year’s Day.

This decision paid off tremendously.

Seventy-four kitties found new homes on Jan. 1 during the four hour holiday adoption special.

The Director of Shelter Operations, Dr. Julie Horton, said 21 cats were over the age of four, 37 cats had been at the shelter for over a month, and 16 cats had been there longer than three months.

Now, the cats have moved on to a better life in loving homes.

Dr. Horton said this is also benefits other cats in need of homes from other sources such as the city’s animal control.

No recent history proves the shelter has ever been open for New Year’s Day.