A handful of local “mini-panthers” have new homes in Barrington.

On Saturday, Barrington Animal Control Officer Patty Watson lead a cat adoption drive in conjunction with the St. John’s Pumpkin Junction Fair. She started the morning with five cats in need of adoption. Three were adopted within the first hour; a fourth was adopted by early afternoon.

All the cats were from Barrington, including from a pair of litters that were discovered in August. Officer Watson said the response was a welcome surprise, especially because most of the adopters were Barrington families.

Officer Watson said the cats had been living at the Warren Animal Hospital, and though they’re kept warm and well fed, nothing is better than a loving place to call home.

“The townspeople stepped up and helped out,” said Officer Watson, who unofficially dubbed the cats “mini-panthers” because of their black coloring.

While a pair of individuals reportedly stopped by the event earlier Saturday morning to protest adopting out black cats near Halloween, Officer Watson said all pet adoptions follow the same procedure to ensure that animals are going to a good home and good owners. Officer Watson said she also checked with East Providence Animal Control, which does not stall black cat adoptions during October.

“”We’re not just letting these cats go to anybody,” Officer Watson said. “They’re going to good homes.”

If you’re looking to rescue a furry friend, contact animal control at 437-3930.