In the 1970s, Fairfax County’s animal shelter was built as a dog pound. Now, it’s overflowing with cats, kittens and other critters.

Shelter officials say the glut of felines is one of the reasons why a proposal to nearly double the size of the shelter on West Ox Road is on the Nov. 7 ballot. Voters will decide whether to approve $17 million for the shelter renovations and expansion, part of a $150 million bond referendum that pays for an array of police, fire and park facilities throughout the county.