Hobo Hotel celebrates namesake's 26th birthday

LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - The inspiration behind the Hobo Hotel cat shelter turned 26 years old. Local cat lovers celebrated Hobo the cat's 26th birthday.

"She is 26 today which is equal to 121 in cat years. It's rare for a cat to live this long. She's doing really good though. Still gets around," said Collie Rouyer, Hobo's caretaker.

Despite going blind two years ago Hobo still gets around just fine. Rouyer credits Hobo's longevity to her laid back way of life and unusual diet.

"She is really laid back. If a cat paws at her it doesn't bother her," said Rouyer. "She also has a healthy diet. She likes tuna and crawfish. But we also go outside for a little while everyday and her favorite thing is grass. She loves to eat grass."

So what do you give a feline on her 26th birthday? - Well wishers brought kitty litter, cat food, cleaning supplies and cat treats that will be donated back to the shelter.

"It takes a lot to operate the shelter year round. We are the only no kill shelter in the area and exist because of the generosity of the community. So we appreciate all the donations and help," said Robin Anderson, Hobo Hotel.

According to volunteers it takes about $135,000 to operate the shelter for one year. They've been in operation for a little over 10 years and have helped more than 1,000 cats find good homes.

"We have a cat for everyone. We've got older cats as well as kittens that need good homes," said Anderson.

Hobo Hotel is open every day from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thursday and Sunday. If you would like to adopt or volunteer you can drop on by or call 439-2428.

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