Booker the cat has overcome hard times and a kitty cold. Now he needs a new home

Oh, kitty, what has happened in your life?

Booker’s tender nature says one thing. But his sorry appearance when arriving at the San Luis Obispo County Animal Services shelter says another.

Due to his fondness for head rubs and his deep, appreciative purrs, it’s clear that Booker once was a loved pet. When he arrived at our shelter, however, he was underweight, flea-infested and struggling with a kitty cold and a disaster of a coat.

Quickly, he received flea treatments and cold medication.

To speed his recovery, he went to the Women’s Honor Farm for loving care. There he relished the attention and genuinely enjoyed getting bathed.

Soon Booker was healthy enough to be neutered.

To benefit all county felines, shelter cats are tested for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus when they go to be altered.

Thankfully, Booker doesn’t have leukemia. But he does have FIV, which most likely resulted from a cat bite during the dark days in his life.

FIV is not contagious to humans and Booker can live a normal life.

He needs an adopter who will ensure he’s an indoor cat, which suits Booker just fine. All he wants is the security of a loving home.

Now back at the shelter, this sweet 6-year-old cat is developing a cold due to stress and his depressed immune system.

Booker doesn’t know he’s a long shot. Instead he believes in two sure things: the goodness of people and the power of love.

For more information about Booker (ID No. 233787), call the volunteer line at the Animal Services shelter at 805-781-4400 or visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/aserv. The shelter is located at 885 Oklahoma Ave., off Highway 1, in San Luis Obispo.

The full-price adoption fee is $81 for cats and $115 for dogs, plus a $28 county license fee for dogs, if the adopters are San Luis Obispo County residents.

The adoption fee includes a new collar, a spay or neuter operation, basic vaccinations, a microchip and eligibility for a free veterinary check within San Luis Obispo County. Cats also are tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and adopters receive a carrier.

HART Cat of the Month

Who’s got silky black fur, piercing golden-green eyes, a bright personality and tons of love to give? That’s Starlet!

Starlet is a 5-year-old, long-haired female cat eagerly awaiting her forever home.

She was relinquished to Cambria’s Homeless Animal Rescue Team more than a year ago when her family was no longer allowed to have pets in their apartment.

She has been an indoor/outdoor kitty, but stays primarily indoors. And considering her long, luxurious fur, she’ll do best as an indoor-only cat.

Starlet is a joy to be around as she’s always eager to play, be brushed or sit on your lap and purr the day away.

Starlet will do well as an only cat or as a playmate for another animal. She’s very easy going.

This sweet and spunky girl will make the perfect addition to any family, serving as a loyal friend for a special someone.

If you are looking for love in the new year, look no further than Starlet.

As HART’s Cat of the Month for January, Starlet’s adoption fees are waived.

HART is a cage-free, no-kill shelter located in lovely downtown Cambria. We love what we do.

Come on by to meet George and all of our other available cats and kittens at 2638 Main Street in Cambria. The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 805-927-7377, visit www.slohart.org and follow HART on Facebook and Instagram at @HARTCambria.