Kitty Cottage Adoption Center, a cage-free, no-kill adoption center located in Blue Bell, Pa., will host its fourth-annual silent auction in East Norriton on Sunday, April 9, to raise money for the care of its cats. Items up for bid include gift certificates to restaurants and local events, an autographed picture of The Price Is Rights Bob Barker, and various new merchandise. Kitty Cottage has also booked comedian Alan Marx to provide the entertainment.

Last year, the center raised about $12,000.

We hope to exceed that number this year, said Sara Gaffeny, Kitty Cottage shelter manager and veterinary technician.

Since Kitty Cottage opened in February 2002, more than 1,850 cats have been adopted. The 1,800 square-foot house currently has 53 cat occupants.

The concept, Gaffeny said, was to operate a cage-free, no-kill adoption center that takes in cats from other shelters, animal control facilities, rescue groups and the public.

We wanted more of a home environment which allows us to see how the cats behave outside of a cage, Gaffeny said.

For more information on the silent auction, visit the Kitty Cottage Adoption Center website.

Posted: March 2, 2006, 5 a.m. EST