For years, it has been a quintessentially quaint New England scene – the antique colonial and nearby red barn, always with a few cats sunning themselves on the grass.

Like many rural aspects of life in Newtown, however, the old farm – perhaps one of the last homes in the state eschewing indoor plumbing in favor of a pump well and outhouse – is changing.

The farm’s elderly owner has been forced to move into an assisted living facility close to family members in Massachusetts, and was unable to take her cats. The Animal Center of Newtown, in conjunction with others,  is working to find homes for these cats before the onset of colder weather.

It is a big job.

Meow Meow, Huggs, Sunshine, Goldie and Fluffy are all friendly and affectionate cats who would love to find permanent homes to call their own.

When members of The Animal Center show up to feed them, the animals greet them with purrs and meows. Some of the other cats, like Calypso, Black Cat, Meow II, Goldie II and Peaches, have always lived in the barns on the farm and would like to be adopted by people who understand how to work with and care for barn cats.

While used to the outdoors, these cats are dependent on humans for food, water and shelter.

“These cats deserve a second chance,” said Monica Roberto, founder of The Animal Center. “Please consider adopting one of them today. All cats will be examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated and spayed/neutered prior to adoption.”

The Animal Center can be contacted at info@theanimalcenter.org or (203)313-4814.

SWEETIE is a very affectionate, loving kitty who adores companionship and affection. The stunning black, long-haired cat doesn’t stop purring!  Sweetie is an absolute angel; MEOW MEOW is a handsome, black and white long-haired cat. He is having a hard time adjusting to his new life outdoors, but is always within a few feet of volunteers when he feed at the farm; HUGGS runs up to volunteers each time they visit and loves to be petted. She is missing her left ear due to a past injury, but is in otherwise perfect health; GOLDIE is a stunning golden long-haired cat. She adores being cuddled and petted. She has one physical disability ... her ears are deformed from an untreated ear mite infection. Goldie is very calm and well-adjusted and accepts new experiences and challenges very quickly!; FLUFFY is a beautiful and affectionate calico female with a long, soft and shiny coat. Although a prior, untreated infection has compromised her eyesight, Fluffy can see moving shapes, gets around just fine and uses the litterbox faithfully.

Visit www.theanimalcenter.org for further information.