IF YOU'VE never thought of adopting a cat, consider the story of black and white feline Chantelle.

She was taken half-dead and tick-infested to a Murwillumbah veterinarian, Friends of the Pound president Sonia Trichter said.

"Now she's in foster care," Ms Trichter said.

"She may have had an owner but she wasn't micro-chipped."

Chantelle and more than 20 others will be offered next weekend during the Friends' annual Adoptathon at 100% Pets, Greenway Dr Tweed Heads South.

Ms Trichter who is also the cat coordinator said the animals were prepared for loving homes through foster care.

"Foster care is a step before re-homing, and is always better than caging which makes them cage-lazy.

"These cats have either come from the pound or have been surrendered by residents of the Tweed Shire, and some have been with kittens.

"They so deserve a break."

The Friends need foster carers and adopters desperately to prevent the cats being turned away.

Ms Trichter said providing carers could be unpredictable.

"Kittens are very cute but an older cat can often be the very best choice as a companion," she said.

"Adopt an older cat and be rewarded with unconditional love and affection."

The Adoptathon will take place on May 5 and 6 from 11am-4pm both days.

There are also many dogs available for adoption on friendsofthepound.com.