Pica the laidback cat is ‘more than a pretty face.’ Help him find a new home

Tabby, tuxedo, Siamese, Persian, tortoiseshell: Each name conjures up a lovely picture of a particular type of cat.

However, no one word can describe Pica.

Pica’s a one-of-a-kind longhaired black and white kitty with avant-garde markings.

Not conforming to any standard, his soft coat is a patchwork terminating in an abundantly fluffy black tail.

The fur of his matching black ears parts company to create a diagonal field of black that flows across his nose and down to the right side of his chin.

The finishing touches are extravagantly long white whiskers and arresting golden eyes.

Pica needs to be seen to be appreciated.

Then there’s his personality.

This 5-year-old cat is a laidback guy who gets along fine with the other kitties in the San Luis Obispo County Animal Services shelter’s Cat Community Rooms.

He’s mostly an observer and patiently waits for humans to make the first move.

Perhaps it’s Pica’s lack of self-promotion that has resulted in him being overlooked by prospective adopters, even though he enjoys being petted and rubs up against people in appreciation for every kindness.

Pica is mad about kitty treats.

All cat lovers are welcome to visit the Cat Community Rooms any time the shelter is open.

Whether you’re looking to adopt or just need some kitty time, visitors help homeless cats remember how wonderful people can be.

Pica is waiting to show you he’s more than a pretty face. He’s one great cat.

How to adopt

For more information about Pica (ID No. 261656), call the volunteer line at the San Luis Obispo County Animal Services shelter at 805-781-4400 or visit www.slocounty.ca.gov/aserv. The shelter has moved to 865 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, and adopters receive a carrier.