Gato is a 3 yo, 13 lb, domestic short hair. He’s our resident father figure to the kittens in the common room here at the ranch, he loves hanging out with them and watching them romp around while he lounges on his perch. Gato is friendly and an all around easy going guy that loves to be pet and cuddled. He adores other cats or kittens and would be best in a home with a buddy. He’s neutered, vaccinated & microchipped!

    We wanted to share Gato’s incredible backstory!

    No one knows exactly when Gato first appeared at Legacy High School in South Gate, Los Angeles. The friendly black cat was spotted every morning, meowing at students and rubbing against their legs. While most people were kind, not everyone treated Gato with the respect that all animals deserve.

    For Briseida Pineda’s senior year service project, she formed “Project F.U.R.” (Feline Urgent Rescue) along with classmates Nadia Lara and Valeria Castro. Their goal was to do something that would help at least one feline in need – like Gato!

    Legacy High teacher Lisa Ramiriz fed Gato each day until Briseida took on this responsibility herself. She noticed that his meals would often be gobbled up by other cats (and skunks!), forcing him to eat junk food fed to him by students. Worse, the Project F.U.R. team feared someone might harm Gato or take him to a shelter. They had to get him out of there ASAP.  

    The girls reached out to local cat welfare organizations. The Little Lion Foundation donated some food for Gato and FixNation put out an appeal on social media for a trapper and a foster. Amy Wilkins immediately offered to assist with TNR. “Operation Gato” was now underway! 

    Gato is now safe with ERF and is still looking for his forever home! Come meet Gato and let him show you what an amazing resilient boy he is! 

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