Stay up to date with everything happening at HART ā from current and upcoming events to heartwarming success stories, past highlights, and behind-the-scenes news.
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Events
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Youāre Invited! Join Us for HARTās 43rd Anniversary Dinner!
āØ SENSORIO GIVES BACK ā AND HART IS A RECIPIENT! š¾
Nestled in the hills of Paso Robles, Sensorio is a spectacular outdoor art exhibit where more than 100,000 glowing lights transform the landscape into an immersive world of color, music, and light. Sensorio shares our love for rescue cats, tooātheir beloved mascot, Ghost, is a rescue cat! š»š±ā¤ļø
On Sunday, November 1st, Sensorio will donate $10 to HART for every ticket sold, and youāll save $10 on your adult ticket, too! Just use promo code SGB26111HART when purchasing your tickets.
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Sunday, November 1st
š 4380 Highway 46 East, Paso Robles
šļø Save $10 on adult tickets with promo code: SGB26111HART
š¾ $10 from every ticket sold goes to HART!
Come enjoy an unforgettable evening of lights, art, and music while supporting HART. HART will be there, too, ready to tell you all about our shelter, our cats, and the work we do to help homeless cats find loving homes. And if youāre lucky, you may even get the chance to meet Ghost, Sensorioās adorable rescue-cat mascot! š»š±āØ
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Shelter News
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HART is Celebrating the Scarecrow Festival!
MeetĀ our Adorable Scarekitty!
MeetĀ our Adorable Scarekitty!
October 2026Ā - We are excited to share our adorable scarekitty, lovingly created by HART volunteers for the annual Scarecrow Festival! This cool cat is made from recycled materials. Kittyās fur is made from our empty kitty litter bags, the eyes are cat food cans, the whiskers are recycled packaging straps, the ribbon came from an old stash and even the plywood is recycled scraps. Isn't she creative & adorable?Ā
September was a month of BIG happy endings at HART! Sixteen HART cats and kittens ā 10 kittens, 3 adults, and 3 seniors ā found their forever homes.ļø
Six of our kittens were adopted in pairs, including Maverick & Jewel, shy little Toodles & Boris, and ChaCha & sweet Cleo. We are thrilled that Cleoās adopters looked past her permanently scarred eye and saw the beautiful cat she is on the inside.
We had some huge wins among our adult and senior cats, too. Sweet Mama Katarina successfully raised her four kittens and watched them head off to their new homes. Now, itās her turn to shine in a loving home of her own! After seven long months of waiting, our longest-term resident, Adelaida, finally caught the eye of a family who already adores her. They report that, "She is literally perfect!" Seniors Olivia & Kovu found a wonderful home together and are getting along beautifully with their new canine siblings. Their adopter says, āThis adoption is purrfect. It has worked out beyond my expectations!!ā
But the adoption weāre celebrating most of all is the one that kept two very special friends together. 21-year-old Bear and 1-year-old Luis, best buddies despite their 20-year age difference, found a loving family who wanted to give them both a home ā together. Their new family already adores them and is enjoying the unique qualities that make each of them so special.
Congratulations to all of our September adoptees!
What a Purr-fect Pinedorado Weekend!Ā š¾
Cambria celebrated its 76th annual Pinedorado this year with the theme āStar Spangled Pinedorado,ā and HART was happy to join in the fun once again! We decorated our truck in red, white and blue and sent PresidentĀ George āCattingtonā leading the way down Main Street alongside the Statue of Liberty ā proudly holding her litter scoop high and her beloved cat safely tucked under her arm. š±š½
It was truly HART-warming to hear the cheers from the crowd as our entry made its way down Main Street. We heard spectators shout, āWe love you, HART!ā and āWe got our fur-baby from you!ā ā along with plenty of enthusiastic meows! šŗā¤ļø
We may not have brought home a ribbon this year, but we had a wonderful time being part of the parade and seeing so much love and support from the community.
HART volunteers also joined the Pinedorado festivities by helping the Lions Club man the corn-on-the-cob booth throughout the weekend. We served up plenty of yummy corn and elote to hungry locals and visitors ā and had a whole lot of fun doing it! š½
We love being part of this wonderful Cambria tradition and are grateful for the chance to celebrate our community alongside so many other local organizations, volunteers and Pinedorado fans. ā¤ļøš¾
It was truly HART-warming to hear the cheers from the crowd as our entry made its way down Main Street. We heard spectators shout, āWe love you, HART!ā and āWe got our fur-baby from you!ā ā along with plenty of enthusiastic meows! šŗā¤ļø
We may not have brought home a ribbon this year, but we had a wonderful time being part of the parade and seeing so much love and support from the community.
HART volunteers also joined the Pinedorado festivities by helping the Lions Club man the corn-on-the-cob booth throughout the weekend. We served up plenty of yummy corn and elote to hungry locals and visitors ā and had a whole lot of fun doing it! š½
We love being part of this wonderful Cambria tradition and are grateful for the chance to celebrate our community alongside so many other local organizations, volunteers and Pinedorado fans. ā¤ļøš¾
August was an AWESOME month for the cats and kittens at HART!Ā Ā 19 cats and kittens found their forever homes in August! That includes 16 kittens, with 10 of them adopted in pairsāand several others heading home to feline friends who were already waiting for them. We couldnāt be happier to see these little ones begin their lives with families of their own!
And the kittens werenāt the only ones celebrating! One adult and two seniors found their people, tooāand those were some BIG wins.
Linny got a second chance after being found at Linnās Restaurant begging for food. After a huge HART/community effort to get him the help he needed, Linny finally found a warm and loving home. What a perfect ending to his story!
13-year-old Chloe came to HART after circumstances forced her family to move somewhere she couldnāt go. She had a very tough time adjusting to shelter life and spent most of her days hiding. Then someone took a chance on her. Chloe finally found the loving home she so deserved.
9-year-old Lydia also got a much-needed and well-deserved home. When she arrived at HART, X-rays revealed a healed broken jaw, a piece of metal beneath her eye, and a pellet in her shoulderāevidence that she had sadly been shot with a pellet gun. She also needed four teeth extracted, and while she was under sedation, the veterinary team removed the pellet. Through it all, Lydia proved herself to be a survivor. And in August, someone chose this resilient girl to be their best friend.
Congratulations to all 19 of our August adoptees!
And the kittens werenāt the only ones celebrating! One adult and two seniors found their people, tooāand those were some BIG wins.
Linny got a second chance after being found at Linnās Restaurant begging for food. After a huge HART/community effort to get him the help he needed, Linny finally found a warm and loving home. What a perfect ending to his story!
13-year-old Chloe came to HART after circumstances forced her family to move somewhere she couldnāt go. She had a very tough time adjusting to shelter life and spent most of her days hiding. Then someone took a chance on her. Chloe finally found the loving home she so deserved.
9-year-old Lydia also got a much-needed and well-deserved home. When she arrived at HART, X-rays revealed a healed broken jaw, a piece of metal beneath her eye, and a pellet in her shoulderāevidence that she had sadly been shot with a pellet gun. She also needed four teeth extracted, and while she was under sedation, the veterinary team removed the pellet. Through it all, Lydia proved herself to be a survivor. And in August, someone chose this resilient girl to be their best friend.
Congratulations to all 19 of our August adoptees!
July was a fantastic month for HART's cats and kittens!Ā We're thrilled to celebrate 13 adoptions, with 11 kittens and 2 adult cats finding the loving homes they deserve.
The kittens had an incredible month! Four siblings from the Soda Litter hit the adoption jackpot when their devoted foster realized she simply couldn't let them go. Sisters Mouse & Sassafras were adopted together, and so were sisters Chloe & Sugar, making sure these bonded siblings could continue life's adventures side by side.
Our adult cats had plenty to celebrate too. Tito turned on the charm and won over his new family on his very first day in HART's community rooms!
Our biggest celebration belongs to BeBe. BeBe came to HART in October 2025 with her two kittens, who were quickly adopted into a loving home. BeBe was adopted herself in January 2026 but was returned in March through no fault of her own. When the family who had adopted BeBe's kittens learned she was back at HART, they came right back to adopt her too. This sweet little family is finally together again, and we couldn't imagine a happier ending.
Congratulations to all of our July adopters and the 13 lucky cats and kittens whose lives have been forever changed. Thank you for opening your hearts and giving them the loving homes every cat deserves.
The kittens had an incredible month! Four siblings from the Soda Litter hit the adoption jackpot when their devoted foster realized she simply couldn't let them go. Sisters Mouse & Sassafras were adopted together, and so were sisters Chloe & Sugar, making sure these bonded siblings could continue life's adventures side by side.
Our adult cats had plenty to celebrate too. Tito turned on the charm and won over his new family on his very first day in HART's community rooms!
Our biggest celebration belongs to BeBe. BeBe came to HART in October 2025 with her two kittens, who were quickly adopted into a loving home. BeBe was adopted herself in January 2026 but was returned in March through no fault of her own. When the family who had adopted BeBe's kittens learned she was back at HART, they came right back to adopt her too. This sweet little family is finally together again, and we couldn't imagine a happier ending.
Congratulations to all of our July adopters and the 13 lucky cats and kittens whose lives have been forever changed. Thank you for opening your hearts and giving them the loving homes every cat deserves.
Thank you for Attending our
Summer Open House!
What a wonderful afternoon! HARTās Summer Open House on Saturday, July 25 was a great success, and weāre so grateful to everyone who stopped by to celebrate our cats, support the shelter, and spend the afternoon with us.
The fun was had by all! Kids got creative at our arts & crafts table, making their own colorful cat masks. The Kitty Ditty HART Band drew quite a crowd with their lively music, and our retail table was busy with shoppers picking up some fun HART goodies. We were also incredibly grateful for the generous donations that help us continue caring for the cats and kittens who depend on us.
And best of allā¦ two wonderful cats found their forever homes! š”š±š±
A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who attended, donated, shopped, volunteered, made music, crafted, adopted, or simply came by to show your support. Events like this are made special by our amazing community, and we couldnāt do it without you! š
The fun was had by all! Kids got creative at our arts & crafts table, making their own colorful cat masks. The Kitty Ditty HART Band drew quite a crowd with their lively music, and our retail table was busy with shoppers picking up some fun HART goodies. We were also incredibly grateful for the generous donations that help us continue caring for the cats and kittens who depend on us.
And best of allā¦ two wonderful cats found their forever homes! š”š±š±
A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who attended, donated, shopped, volunteered, made music, crafted, adopted, or simply came by to show your support. Events like this are made special by our amazing community, and we couldnāt do it without you! š
June was a wonderful month at HART - 9 cats and kittens found their fur-ever homes!
Five playful kittens were adopted, and we're especially happy that four of them went home with their siblings, so they can continue growing up together.
Four adult cats also found homes in June. After lovingly raising her five kittens, Mama Tree finally found a family of her own. Now it's her turn to be spoiled with all the love she so deserves. Squanchy charmed her new family with her spunky personality and gorgeous markings, and Nimbus found a home just in time to celebrate his very first birthday with people who adore him.
Our most heartwarming adoption of the month is Peeta. Peeta arrived at HART in July 2025 as an extremely shy kitten. With patience, kindness, and lots of extra love from our staff andĀ volunteers, he slowly learned to trust and let his sweet, affectionate personality shine. After waiting 11 months for the right family, Peeta finally found his happily ever afterāand we couldn't be more thrilled for him.
Congratulations to all of our June adoptees and their wonderful new families! Thank you to everyone who supports HART and helps make these happy endings possible.Ā
Five playful kittens were adopted, and we're especially happy that four of them went home with their siblings, so they can continue growing up together.
Four adult cats also found homes in June. After lovingly raising her five kittens, Mama Tree finally found a family of her own. Now it's her turn to be spoiled with all the love she so deserves. Squanchy charmed her new family with her spunky personality and gorgeous markings, and Nimbus found a home just in time to celebrate his very first birthday with people who adore him.
Our most heartwarming adoption of the month is Peeta. Peeta arrived at HART in July 2025 as an extremely shy kitten. With patience, kindness, and lots of extra love from our staff andĀ volunteers, he slowly learned to trust and let his sweet, affectionate personality shine. After waiting 11 months for the right family, Peeta finally found his happily ever afterāand we couldn't be more thrilled for him.
Congratulations to all of our June adoptees and their wonderful new families! Thank you to everyone who supports HART and helps make these happy endings possible.Ā
Quilt Raffle a Sucess!
In celebration of America's semiquincentennial, HART raffled off a beautiful handmade Red, White & Blue "Liberty" quilt, lovingly crafted by cat enthusiast Darlene Shubert.Ā Ā Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who purchased tickets, this year's raffle raised $1,100 to help care for HART's cats and kittens! Your support comes at an especially important time during busy kitten season, helping provide food, medical care, shelter, and lots of love for the cats who need us most.
Congratulations to our lucky winner, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated. Whether you bought one ticket or several, you made a real difference in the lives of homeless cats and kittens. We are so grateful to have such a caring community standing behind HART's mission.
šø Pictured below are dedicated HART volunteers LibbyĀ and VickiĀ drawing the winning raffle ticket on Saturday, June 27, at 4:00 PM.
Congratulations to our lucky winner, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated. Whether you bought one ticket or several, you made a real difference in the lives of homeless cats and kittens. We are so grateful to have such a caring community standing behind HART's mission.
šø Pictured below are dedicated HART volunteers LibbyĀ and VickiĀ drawing the winning raffle ticket on Saturday, June 27, at 4:00 PM.
Ā KITTEN FOSTERS NEEDED
Kitten season is rampant from Spring to Fall, and HART needs fosters for our upcoming Kitten Season who can help us save these vulnerable lives. Kitten fosters provide care and support to kittens until they are old enough to thrive on their own and be adopted.
Unfortunately, there are always more kittens and cats in need than fosters available to help them. You can make a huge impact by fostering these vulnerable animals, for a couple of weeks or more, and helping to spread the word about your experience to other potential foster parents.
HART provides all the food, supplies, veterinary care and support. All you need to provide is a warm home and plenty of TLC!
Unfortunately, there are always more kittens and cats in need than fosters available to help them. You can make a huge impact by fostering these vulnerable animals, for a couple of weeks or more, and helping to spread the word about your experience to other potential foster parents.
HART provides all the food, supplies, veterinary care and support. All you need to provide is a warm home and plenty of TLC!
May was an amazing month at HART! Fourteen cats and kittens found their fur-ever homes and began exciting new chapters with loving families.
Nine kittens found homes during May, with most being adopted in pairs or trios so they can continue growing up alongside the siblings they have known since birth. Among them were Alder, Ash, and Acacia, who hit the adoption jackpot by finding a home together. Oliver, the oldest of the kittens at 11 months old, will get to celebrate his very first birthday with his new family.
Three young adults and two seniors also found homes this month. We were especially thrilled to see both of our recent Cats of the Month adopted. April's Cat of the Month, Kuda, found a loving family, and May's Cat of the Month, Velvet, found her happy ending during her second stay at HART. Sweet one-year-old Smoochie also found the loving home she deserved.
Our most exciting adoption of the month was Georgi and Gianna. These bonded sisters had been waiting nearly a yearā11 whole monthsāfor the right person to come along. They arrived shy and unsure, and it took patience, love, and time for them to begin trusting people. We are delighted to report that they are settling into their new home and making steady progress with their patient and loving adopter.
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Congratulations to all of our May adoptees! We wish you a lifetime of love, cuddles, playtime, sunny windows, warm laps, and endless purrs.Ā
Nine kittens found homes during May, with most being adopted in pairs or trios so they can continue growing up alongside the siblings they have known since birth. Among them were Alder, Ash, and Acacia, who hit the adoption jackpot by finding a home together. Oliver, the oldest of the kittens at 11 months old, will get to celebrate his very first birthday with his new family.
Three young adults and two seniors also found homes this month. We were especially thrilled to see both of our recent Cats of the Month adopted. April's Cat of the Month, Kuda, found a loving family, and May's Cat of the Month, Velvet, found her happy ending during her second stay at HART. Sweet one-year-old Smoochie also found the loving home she deserved.
Our most exciting adoption of the month was Georgi and Gianna. These bonded sisters had been waiting nearly a yearā11 whole monthsāfor the right person to come along. They arrived shy and unsure, and it took patience, love, and time for them to begin trusting people. We are delighted to report that they are settling into their new home and making steady progress with their patient and loving adopter.
ļ»æ
Congratulations to all of our May adoptees! We wish you a lifetime of love, cuddles, playtime, sunny windows, warm laps, and endless purrs.Ā
HART Joins 2nd Annual Cambria Nonprofit Community Fair
May 2026- On Saturday, May 23rd, HART was proud to participate in the 2nd AnnualĀ Cambria Nonprofit Community Fair, hosted by the Cambria 501 Group at the Pinedorado Grounds. More than 25 local nonprofits came together to connect with residents and share how they help make life in Cambria brighter.
HART volunteers enjoyed meeting community members, talking about our mission, and sharing ways people can support our rescued cats and kittensāwhether through volunteering, fostering, adopting, or simply spreading the word.
The event featured delicious food and drinks, lively music, and an honorary mayor's race. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the spirit of community while introducing more people to the work we do for our feline friends.
Weāre grateful to the Cambria 501 Group for organizing such a successful event and to everyone who stopped by our booth to say hello.
HART volunteers enjoyed meeting community members, talking about our mission, and sharing ways people can support our rescued cats and kittensāwhether through volunteering, fostering, adopting, or simply spreading the word.
The event featured delicious food and drinks, lively music, and an honorary mayor's race. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the spirit of community while introducing more people to the work we do for our feline friends.
Weāre grateful to the Cambria 501 Group for organizing such a successful event and to everyone who stopped by our booth to say hello.
April may have been modest in adoption numbers, but it was mighty in happy endings.
Five very special HART cats and kittens found their forever homes in Aprilāand every single one feels like a big win. Sweet & playful friends Luna and Aspen were adopted together just in time to celebrate their first birthdays with a family of their own. Shy little Denny has already settled right in, playing with his new feline sibling and feeling confident in his new home like heās always belonged there.
And then there are the stories that remind us just how powerful love and perseverance can be. Sally, who was rescued by her foster dad from a dilapidated car in an auto repair shop, struggled with her health from the very start. But after months and months of determination, devotion, and loving care from her foster dad, she overcame so many obstaclesāincluding a dangerous viral disease called FIP. He was so smitten with her after the challenging journey they had been through together that he recently officially welcomed her into his family.
Penny, who has been with HART since she was just two days old, finally found her perfect match after nearly a year of waiting. Her family says she wasted no time settling ināby her second night, she was already purring and cuddling with them in bed!
Congratulations to our five amazing April adoptees! We wish them a lifetime of love, comfort, and happily-ever-afters.Ā
Five very special HART cats and kittens found their forever homes in Aprilāand every single one feels like a big win. Sweet & playful friends Luna and Aspen were adopted together just in time to celebrate their first birthdays with a family of their own. Shy little Denny has already settled right in, playing with his new feline sibling and feeling confident in his new home like heās always belonged there.
And then there are the stories that remind us just how powerful love and perseverance can be. Sally, who was rescued by her foster dad from a dilapidated car in an auto repair shop, struggled with her health from the very start. But after months and months of determination, devotion, and loving care from her foster dad, she overcame so many obstaclesāincluding a dangerous viral disease called FIP. He was so smitten with her after the challenging journey they had been through together that he recently officially welcomed her into his family.
Penny, who has been with HART since she was just two days old, finally found her perfect match after nearly a year of waiting. Her family says she wasted no time settling ināby her second night, she was already purring and cuddling with them in bed!
Congratulations to our five amazing April adoptees! We wish them a lifetime of love, comfort, and happily-ever-afters.Ā
HARTās Spring Goodwill Drive was a Fantastic Success!
April 10 & 11 2026 - Thanks to your generosity, we filled nearly two full trailers and raised an incredible $1,280 in donations!
In addition to the many early drop-off donations, we had even more donors during the main eventāa remarkable show of community spirit. Your donations make a real difference in the lives of HARTās cats and kittens.
Thank you, Cambria, for caring, sharing, and giving!
In addition to the many early drop-off donations, we had even more donors during the main eventāa remarkable show of community spirit. Your donations make a real difference in the lives of HARTās cats and kittens.
Thank you, Cambria, for caring, sharing, and giving!
Join Us in Welcoming Vanessa Evans as HART's New Animal Care Manager!
Vanessa joined HART in March of 2026 as HARTās Animal Care Manager, bringing extensive, well-rounded experience and a deep love for animals to her role. She oversees the daily care of the shelter, including feeding, housing, behavior, sanitation, and monitoring the health and wellbeing of all cats and kittens.
She began her career as a foster parent and later an Adoption Counselor for an organization in Lodi, California. Vanessa went on to complete a two-year, in-person Veterinary Technology program at Western Career College in Stockton and has been a licensed RVT in California since 2009. She spent five years in private veterinary practice before moving to San Luis Obispo County.
Vanessa then went on to spend 8Ā½ years at SLO County Animal Services, where she coordinated medical care, assisted with large-scale animal seizures, supported intake, vaccinated and microchipped pets, trained interns and inmates, and contributed to billing, ordering, and standard operating procedures. After a brief return to private practice, she joined Woods Humane Society, where she spent two years assisting with high-volume, high-quality spays and neuters (HVHQSN).
Continuing her commitment to Shelter Medicine, Vanessa completed a two-year online Shelter Management Program through University of the Pacific and is currently beginning the Shelter Care Specialist course through the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program.
Vanessa shares her home with her Miniature Schnauzer, Princess Peach, and two cats, Scooter and Cookie. She enjoys paddleboarding, nature walks, antiquing, exploring local wineries with friends, and spending time with her adult daughter. She looks forward to ensuring HART cats receive the attentive care, comfort, and support they need while they wait for their forever homes. Vanessa is pictured here with two of her first rescues at HART, Oliver and Nimbus.
She began her career as a foster parent and later an Adoption Counselor for an organization in Lodi, California. Vanessa went on to complete a two-year, in-person Veterinary Technology program at Western Career College in Stockton and has been a licensed RVT in California since 2009. She spent five years in private veterinary practice before moving to San Luis Obispo County.
Vanessa then went on to spend 8Ā½ years at SLO County Animal Services, where she coordinated medical care, assisted with large-scale animal seizures, supported intake, vaccinated and microchipped pets, trained interns and inmates, and contributed to billing, ordering, and standard operating procedures. After a brief return to private practice, she joined Woods Humane Society, where she spent two years assisting with high-volume, high-quality spays and neuters (HVHQSN).
Continuing her commitment to Shelter Medicine, Vanessa completed a two-year online Shelter Management Program through University of the Pacific and is currently beginning the Shelter Care Specialist course through the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program.
Vanessa shares her home with her Miniature Schnauzer, Princess Peach, and two cats, Scooter and Cookie. She enjoys paddleboarding, nature walks, antiquing, exploring local wineries with friends, and spending time with her adult daughter. She looks forward to ensuring HART cats receive the attentive care, comfort, and support they need while they wait for their forever homes. Vanessa is pictured here with two of her first rescues at HART, Oliver and Nimbus.
March adoptions were few but mighty! This past month, four lucky HART cats and kittens found their forever homesāand we couldnāt be happier for them.
Adorable brothers Hunter and Bandit charmed their way into a home together, and weāre so grateful they get to stay side by side for life. Even more heartwarming, two senior ākitizensā found loving homes to spend their golden yearsā10-year-old Lara was chosen as the purrfect companion, and 17-year-old Kori also found a family to call her own.
Congratulations to our four HART adoptees! We wish you many years of health, love, and happiness with your new families.
Thanks for Helping HART Win GOLD!
We are absolutely thrilled to finally announce that the Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART) has WON gold ā twice! ā in the inaugural edition of The Tribuneās Best of the Central Coast 2026 magazine!Ā Ā Thanks to your many repeated votes for us in October and November 2025, HART took home GOLD in two categories ā Animal Nonprofit and Place to Volunteer. With more than 186,000 votes cast to recognize the best businesses, people, and places in SLO County, finishing at the top is truly an incredible honor.
For a small shelter like ours, this recognition means everything. Being named āBest Animal Nonprofitā brings invaluable exposure that helps shine a brighter light on HART and our mission ā and most importantly, helps our cats get the visibility they need to find the loving homes they deserve. Winning gold as āBest Place to Volunteerā is equally meaningful because our volunteers are the lifeblood of HART. This recognition showcases HART as a wonderful place for future volunteers to share their time and heart, directly benefiting our cats and programs.
We are deeply grateful for every vote and every person who stood behind us. Thank YOU for helping secure HARTās win! A heartfelt congratulations to all of the Best of the Central Coast winners ā weāre honored to be in such good company!
For a small shelter like ours, this recognition means everything. Being named āBest Animal Nonprofitā brings invaluable exposure that helps shine a brighter light on HART and our mission ā and most importantly, helps our cats get the visibility they need to find the loving homes they deserve. Winning gold as āBest Place to Volunteerā is equally meaningful because our volunteers are the lifeblood of HART. This recognition showcases HART as a wonderful place for future volunteers to share their time and heart, directly benefiting our cats and programs.
We are deeply grateful for every vote and every person who stood behind us. Thank YOU for helping secure HARTās win! A heartfelt congratulations to all of the Best of the Central Coast winners ā weāre honored to be in such good company!
February was a heartwarming month at HART, withĀ 9 incredible cats and kittensĀ heading home ā 6 kittens, 2 adults, and 1 senior. We are especially over the moon for our long-timersĀ Ozzy, Calvin, and Barbie, who each waited more than eight months for their perfect match. Ozzy and Calvin were adopted together (just as weād hoped!), and Barbie is now settling into a home with a new feline sister of her very own. And in the sweetest timing,Ā MapleĀ ā our February Cat of the Month ā found her family on the very last day (and very last adoptable hour) of her special month! We are excited to report that senior sweetheartĀ SyrahĀ (after several stays at HART throughout her lifetime) went to what we hope is her fur-ever home at last.
Then thereāsĀ Izzyā¦ truly one of the most remarkable adoptions of the year so far. Found in a cage in a field with three kittens, suffering from a pellet wound and multiple serious medical issues, Izzy endured months of diagnostics, treatment, and healing with the help of HARTās dedicated medical team. Izzy finally healed up beautifully and has blossomed into the gorgeous, happy girl she was always meant to be. Along the way, her foster mom fell head over heels for her spirited purr-sonality and her loving demeanor ā and made it official as soon as Izzy was finally healed and ready for adoption. Congratulations to all of our February adopters and adoptees!
Then thereāsĀ Izzyā¦ truly one of the most remarkable adoptions of the year so far. Found in a cage in a field with three kittens, suffering from a pellet wound and multiple serious medical issues, Izzy endured months of diagnostics, treatment, and healing with the help of HARTās dedicated medical team. Izzy finally healed up beautifully and has blossomed into the gorgeous, happy girl she was always meant to be. Along the way, her foster mom fell head over heels for her spirited purr-sonality and her loving demeanor ā and made it official as soon as Izzy was finally healed and ready for adoption. Congratulations to all of our February adopters and adoptees!
Weāre thrilled to share that 31 cats and kittens were adopted in January, making it the second exceptional month in a row for adoptions at HART! We more than doubled our typical monthly adoption averageāand made HART history with our most January adoptions as far back as we can remember! Those 31 happy endings included 22 kittens, 8 adults, and 1 senior, with more than half adopted in pairs.
Of the kittens, 14 were adopted in pairs, proving once again that love is better shared. Flo gained a new feline sister, Reese scored two new kitty brothers, Franklin found a canine best friend, and Ruby hit the jackpot with four new siblingsātwo feline and two canine! Weāre especially thrilled for our six long-term āteenageā kittens who finally found homes together: friends Daphne & Emily, siblings Tani & Jack, and best-bud siblings Eddie & Elaine all landed with families who recognized how deeply bonded they are and made sure those connections stayed intact.
Our sweet senior Katy came to HART after losing her home when her purr-son needed to move to a care facility. She was only at HART for two weeks when she found a patient, understanding & loving adopter ready to give her a chance and let her adjust to her new living situation at her own pace. As for the adult adoptions, bonded sisters Bunny & Camilla found a loving new home after being adopted as kittens and returned to the shelter after seven monthsāand we're hoping this one is forever. In addition, our first January Cat of the Month, spirited and chatty mama-kitty Sweetie, was adopted into her very own home in mid January, (her kittens Rolo, Snicker, and Kit Kat were adopted in January too.) Then, on the very last day of the month, our second January Cat of the Month, BeBe, headed home too!
Weāre so grateful to our adopters for choosing loveāand often choosing to double the love. Wishing all of our cats and kittens endless happiness in their new homes.
Of the kittens, 14 were adopted in pairs, proving once again that love is better shared. Flo gained a new feline sister, Reese scored two new kitty brothers, Franklin found a canine best friend, and Ruby hit the jackpot with four new siblingsātwo feline and two canine! Weāre especially thrilled for our six long-term āteenageā kittens who finally found homes together: friends Daphne & Emily, siblings Tani & Jack, and best-bud siblings Eddie & Elaine all landed with families who recognized how deeply bonded they are and made sure those connections stayed intact.
Our sweet senior Katy came to HART after losing her home when her purr-son needed to move to a care facility. She was only at HART for two weeks when she found a patient, understanding & loving adopter ready to give her a chance and let her adjust to her new living situation at her own pace. As for the adult adoptions, bonded sisters Bunny & Camilla found a loving new home after being adopted as kittens and returned to the shelter after seven monthsāand we're hoping this one is forever. In addition, our first January Cat of the Month, spirited and chatty mama-kitty Sweetie, was adopted into her very own home in mid January, (her kittens Rolo, Snicker, and Kit Kat were adopted in January too.) Then, on the very last day of the month, our second January Cat of the Month, BeBe, headed home too!
Weāre so grateful to our adopters for choosing loveāand often choosing to double the love. Wishing all of our cats and kittens endless happiness in their new homes.
A Successful Year
Because of you, 2025 was an incredible year for HART!Ā Together, we welcomed 198 cats and kittens, celebrated 173 adoptions, supported 25 amazing foster families, and cared for 96 fostered felinesāall powered by thousands of volunteer hours, generous donors, and so many amazing supporters - local businesses, families, and individuals. Most importantly, MANY lives were saved. We truly couldnāt have done this without your kindness, time, and belief in our mission. Hereās to another year of saving livesātogether!
Want to help us do even more in 2026?Ā
Want to help us do even more in 2026?Ā
December 2025 Adoptions
We are beyond excited to share that 34 cats and kittens found loving homes in December! The shelter feels much emptierābut in the very best way. For a small shelter like ours, this is more than twice our typical number of monthly adoptions, and we are truly over the moon knowing so many of our cats and kittens are off to the loving homes they deserve.
Among them, 28 kittens under one year old found the families theyād been waiting for, many adopted together. Whatās especially exciting is that 13 of those were āteenā kittens, many of whom had been waiting over six monthsātheir whole livesāfor a home. This includes our timid little Daisy, who, after months of waiting, finally chose her peopleāstepping forward, leaning into their touch, and purring as if sheād been waiting just for them. In addition, best buddies Ozzy and Calvin became forever brothers when they were adopted together.
Five adult cats also found homes in December. Melba Toast and Boots were adopted as a pair, as were Erin and Elin. Weāre also thrilled to share that one senior kitty ā our handsome & charming 13-year-old Mickey ā found his forever home and even gained a new senior friend to share it with. What an incredible way to wrap up the year!
Thank you for volunteering, sharing, and helping us spread the word about adoptable cats and kittens. You help make these happy endings possible, and weāre so excited to head into 2026 together. š
Among them, 28 kittens under one year old found the families theyād been waiting for, many adopted together. Whatās especially exciting is that 13 of those were āteenā kittens, many of whom had been waiting over six monthsātheir whole livesāfor a home. This includes our timid little Daisy, who, after months of waiting, finally chose her peopleāstepping forward, leaning into their touch, and purring as if sheād been waiting just for them. In addition, best buddies Ozzy and Calvin became forever brothers when they were adopted together.
Five adult cats also found homes in December. Melba Toast and Boots were adopted as a pair, as were Erin and Elin. Weāre also thrilled to share that one senior kitty ā our handsome & charming 13-year-old Mickey ā found his forever home and even gained a new senior friend to share it with. What an incredible way to wrap up the year!
Thank you for volunteering, sharing, and helping us spread the word about adoptable cats and kittens. You help make these happy endings possible, and weāre so excited to head into 2026 together. š
HART at the Cambria Christmas Market!
December 29 & 30 - We are excited to share that theĀ Cambria Christmas Market invited HART to host a booth in the beautiful Nursery section of the market. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our mission, talk about our work, introduce visitors to our adoptable cats and kittens, and spread the word about volunteering with HART.
A huge thank-you to our Treasurer, Gary Swauger, for setting everything up, and to our Board Secretary, Volunteer Coordinator Shannon, and paw-some volunteer Sara for staffing the booth and chatting with visitors. Being surrounded by the marketās spectacular lights made the experience feel truly magical. We shared lots of sweet cat stories, received generous donations, and even welcomed two new volunteer applications. Thank you all for supporting HARTāwe couldnāt do this without you! āØš¾
A huge thank-you to our Treasurer, Gary Swauger, for setting everything up, and to our Board Secretary, Volunteer Coordinator Shannon, and paw-some volunteer Sara for staffing the booth and chatting with visitors. Being surrounded by the marketās spectacular lights made the experience feel truly magical. We shared lots of sweet cat stories, received generous donations, and even welcomed two new volunteer applications. Thank you all for supporting HARTāwe couldnāt do this without you! āØš¾
Thanks for Attending HART's Christmas Kitty Cafe!
December 20 -Ā HARTās Kitty Christmas CafĆ© was an absolute blast! Our festive holiday celebration on the afternoon of December 20 was buzzing with happy faces, holiday cheer, and plenty of purrs. Best of all, three adorable kittens found their forever homesātalk about the purr-fect Christmas gift!
The cider, cocoa, and latte station was a total hit, and the mountains of tasty treats generously donated by our amazing Events Committee members were happily devoured. Shoppers filled the gift shop, picking out fun goodies and must-have supplies for their cats and kittens. The Kitty Ditty HART Band had the crowd smiling and singing along, Santa stopped by for a special visit, and the whole afternoon sparkled with festive fun and feline love.
A huge thank you to our incredible HART staff and volunteersāyour hard work, generosity, and holiday spirit helped make this event such a wonderful success! šš¾š
The cider, cocoa, and latte station was a total hit, and the mountains of tasty treats generously donated by our amazing Events Committee members were happily devoured. Shoppers filled the gift shop, picking out fun goodies and must-have supplies for their cats and kittens. The Kitty Ditty HART Band had the crowd smiling and singing along, Santa stopped by for a special visit, and the whole afternoon sparkled with festive fun and feline love.
A huge thank you to our incredible HART staff and volunteersāyour hard work, generosity, and holiday spirit helped make this event such a wonderful success! šš¾š
Adoptions in November
November gave us so much to be thankful for ā with 16 wonderful cats and kittens finding loving homes. Thirteen kittens found their families, many in adorable sibling pairs, while others joined families with feline friends already waiting for them.
Three young adults also began new chapters, including Mimi and Willow, who were both abandoned on the streets before finding safety at HART. Willow spent five long months being overlooked during kitten season, until the very last day of November, when her perfect person walked in, felt that instant spark, and brought her home.
And then thereās Mama Kitty, whose story touched every heart at HART. She arrived just days after giving birth to 4 adorable kittens. She raised her kittens with unwavering devotion, watched them get adopted one by one, and then waited seven patient months for someone to see her gentle, deserving spirit. This November, her turn finally came ā and she went home to the loving life she deserves.
We are truly thankful for every adopter who opened their hearts this month. Hereās to warm laps, full bellies, and beautiful new beginnings. š§”š¾
Congratulations to all our wonderful adoptees! We wish each of them the happiest of lives with their new families.
Three young adults also began new chapters, including Mimi and Willow, who were both abandoned on the streets before finding safety at HART. Willow spent five long months being overlooked during kitten season, until the very last day of November, when her perfect person walked in, felt that instant spark, and brought her home.
And then thereās Mama Kitty, whose story touched every heart at HART. She arrived just days after giving birth to 4 adorable kittens. She raised her kittens with unwavering devotion, watched them get adopted one by one, and then waited seven patient months for someone to see her gentle, deserving spirit. This November, her turn finally came ā and she went home to the loving life she deserves.
We are truly thankful for every adopter who opened their hearts this month. Hereās to warm laps, full bellies, and beautiful new beginnings. š§”š¾
Congratulations to all our wonderful adoptees! We wish each of them the happiest of lives with their new families.
Thank you Neighbors!
Thank you our wonderful neighbors for "faving" HART's Nexdoor pageĀ during Nextdoor's Neighborhood Faves Contest. We are excited to be one of the winning businesses for the 3rd year in a row, and we are honored to be one of your "faves!"
Having the status of "Neighborhood Fave" will increase our visibility in Cambria, which means increased visibility for our cats and kittens who need homes.Ā If you haven't faved our Nexdoor page yet, we welcome you to do so HERE.Ā Thank you neighbors - we appreciate YOU!
Having the status of "Neighborhood Fave" will increase our visibility in Cambria, which means increased visibility for our cats and kittens who need homes.Ā If you haven't faved our Nexdoor page yet, we welcome you to do so HERE.Ā Thank you neighbors - we appreciate YOU!
Thanks for Supporting HART at Robin's!
November 1 -Ā HARTās 42nd Anniversary Dinner at Robinās Restaurant was an unforgettable evening! On November 1st, guests enjoyed an incredible three-course meal in Robinās beautiful garden patio. Throughout the night, harpist Adelina Arnold filled the space with elegant, uplifting music that made the event even more special.
A heartfelt thank-you to Beth Yudovin for her wonderful organization, to Shelley White, Events Director at Robinās, and to owner Shanny Covey for so graciously hosting HART. And to everyone who joined usāthank you! Thanks to your support, the event raised over $3,600 for HARTās cats and kittens.
A heartfelt thank-you to Beth Yudovin for her wonderful organization, to Shelley White, Events Director at Robinās, and to owner Shanny Covey for so graciously hosting HART. And to everyone who joined usāthank you! Thanks to your support, the event raised over $3,600 for HARTās cats and kittens.
Adoptions in October
October was a spook-tacular month forĀ 11Ā of HARTās fabulous felines!Ā Ten kittens and one seniorĀ sweetheart found their fur-ever homes. Four lucky kittens wereĀ adopted in pairs, while others gained new feline siblings in their adoptive families.
Dorito, who had been returned, didnāt even spend a whole hour back at the shelter before finding a new home with his kitten pal,Ā Bobby. LittleĀ LynxĀ skipped the shelter entirely, going straight from foster care to his forever familyācomplete with a new four-legged sibling. And after months of being overlooked among all the kittens, our lovelyĀ senior Sweet PeaĀ finally got her moment in the spotlight as our front office greeterāand it took just one day for her perfect family to walk through the door and fall in love.
CongratulationsĀ to all our wonderful adoptees! We wish each of them the happiest of lives with their new families.
Dorito, who had been returned, didnāt even spend a whole hour back at the shelter before finding a new home with his kitten pal,Ā Bobby. LittleĀ LynxĀ skipped the shelter entirely, going straight from foster care to his forever familyācomplete with a new four-legged sibling. And after months of being overlooked among all the kittens, our lovelyĀ senior Sweet PeaĀ finally got her moment in the spotlight as our front office greeterāand it took just one day for her perfect family to walk through the door and fall in love.
CongratulationsĀ to all our wonderful adoptees! We wish each of them the happiest of lives with their new families.
HART visits "Local Glow" at Sensorio
October 19 -When Ghost ā Sensorioās famous feline Meownager ā invited HART to set up a booth at their local's night, "Local Glow," we were paws-itively thrilled to accept!
It was a magical evening of lights, community, and cat lovers. Our Shelter Manager, Cathy, along with volunteers Dawn and Jennifer, represented HART and had a wonderful time meeting Sensorio guests, answering questions, and sharing our mission. Ghost was the purr-fect host, drawing visitors to our table ā and even helping us gather a few donations along the way!
Best of all, our biggest goal was achieved: letting more people know that HART exists and sharing the work we do to help cats in need. Since the event, weāve gained new social media followers and visitors to our website, and even celebrated three adoptions the very next business dayĀ ā proof that the word about HART is traveling farther than ever!
Ghost and Sensorio even featured HART in a collaborative Instagram post about our visit that very night. It has since reached nearly 20,000 views, and still climbing ā an incredible spotlight that has helped thousands of new people discover who we are and what we do.
Weāre so grateful to Ghost & Sensorio for this wonderful opportunity. It was a special evening for everyone, especially Cathy, who enjoyed experiencing the magic of Sensorio's lights for the first time. We canāt wait to team up again in the future!
It was a magical evening of lights, community, and cat lovers. Our Shelter Manager, Cathy, along with volunteers Dawn and Jennifer, represented HART and had a wonderful time meeting Sensorio guests, answering questions, and sharing our mission. Ghost was the purr-fect host, drawing visitors to our table ā and even helping us gather a few donations along the way!
Best of all, our biggest goal was achieved: letting more people know that HART exists and sharing the work we do to help cats in need. Since the event, weāve gained new social media followers and visitors to our website, and even celebrated three adoptions the very next business dayĀ ā proof that the word about HART is traveling farther than ever!
Ghost and Sensorio even featured HART in a collaborative Instagram post about our visit that very night. It has since reached nearly 20,000 views, and still climbing ā an incredible spotlight that has helped thousands of new people discover who we are and what we do.
Weāre so grateful to Ghost & Sensorio for this wonderful opportunity. It was a special evening for everyone, especially Cathy, who enjoyed experiencing the magic of Sensorio's lights for the first time. We canāt wait to team up again in the future!
Thanks for your Donations!
October 9- HART's Fall Goodwill Drive was an incredible success, thanks to our amazing Cambria neighbors and dedicated supporters from all across SLO County! Your generosity in donating new or gently used treasures helped us fill a trailer to support our mission at HART. Every item donated and every dollar raised makes a difference for the cats in our care.
Feeling inspired? Start your spring cleaning early, and stay tuned for the announcement of our Spring Goodwill Drive date. Together, we can make the next drive even more impactfulāthank you for being part of our journey! š¾š
September Adoptions!
September was life-changing for 10 HART cats and kittens ā they found their families! Six lucky kittens went to their fur-ever homes in pairs, while the other two found families where new feline siblings were waiting to welcome them. Our handsome, cuddly 6-year-old big boy, Luke, also found his happily-ever-after.
The biggest celebration goes to our September Cat of the Month and HART Office Diva, Callie. This sweet 12-year-old has waited 8 months for her perfect family, and at last, they found her. Callie will now be the cherished queen of her castle, soaking up all the love she deserves. Congratulations to Callie and all our September graduates ā weāre so happy for each of you and your new families!
The biggest celebration goes to our September Cat of the Month and HART Office Diva, Callie. This sweet 12-year-old has waited 8 months for her perfect family, and at last, they found her. Callie will now be the cherished queen of her castle, soaking up all the love she deserves. Congratulations to Callie and all our September graduates ā weāre so happy for each of you and your new families!
Thank you Cambria Chamber of Commerce!
September 2025 - The Cambria Chamber of Commerce featured HART in their window display in September! š¾š This kind gesture gave us wonderful visibility in the heart of town and helped raise awareness about our mission to rescue and rehome cats and kittens in need.
Weāre so grateful to be part of such a supportive business community. Every bit of exposure helps us connect more cats with the loving families they deserve. Thank you, Cambria Chamber, for helping us spread the word!
Weāre so grateful to be part of such a supportive business community. Every bit of exposure helps us connect more cats with the loving families they deserve. Thank you, Cambria Chamber, for helping us spread the word!
HART has Adopted a Road!
HART is participating in SLO County's "Adopt a Road Program! š¾ Weāre now the proud caretakers of Eton Road between Schoolhouse Lane and Main Street. Keep an eye out for our shiny new signs ā youāll spot them on Eton Road just past the Nursery, and at Eton and Main.
By adopting a road, HART gets to show a little extra love to Cambria ā keeping our streets clean, spreading good vibes, and increasing awareness of our shelter along the way. Itās a purr-fect way to give back to the community that supports us! ššæ
By adopting a road, HART gets to show a little extra love to Cambria ā keeping our streets clean, spreading good vibes, and increasing awareness of our shelter along the way. Itās a purr-fect way to give back to the community that supports us! ššæ
Get Involved at HART
Contact HART to volunteer to feed, medicate or clean.
Foster a current shelter resident or let us know you are available to foster new intakes, including cats and kittens.
Share photos of our cats on social media and let your friends and family know about adoptable cats.
Donate to HART's general fund, which help keep our doors open.
Donate essential items, like cat food and litter, from ourĀ Amazon wishlist.
For additional ways to help,Ā please click here.Ā Thank you for your support!