Coco, bodega cat that followed KitKat, leaves liquor store after leukemia diagnosis

"Coco, who became the store cat of Randa's Market at 16th and Valencia streets shortly after a Waymo killed KitKat in October, has leukemia and no longer calls the liquor store her home. Randa's Market owner Mike Zeidan said the veterinarian discovered leukemia during a visit to get Coco shots and spayed. After the blood cancer showed up in tests, Zeidan decided Coco needed a change of scenery."

"Zeidan learned of a sanctuary in Santa Rosa called SNAP Cats that cares for kitties with special needs. He figured that was the place for Coco. The only problem? SNAP Cats was full and could not take Coco. Karen Langland, the wife of the Roxie Theater's director of publicity who is also a cat sitter, then offered to provide a temporary home for Coco until a space in the sanctuary opens up."

"Coco's trip to Sonoma County, however, will have to wait. Langland successfully found a new permanent home for the kitty. Zeidan, who described Coco as beautiful, friendly, amazing and energetic, said the decision to let her go was not an easy one. "Needless to say, it's heartbreaking. We lost KitKat and now this," said Zeidan. "It's a little bit hard, but we're okay.""

Coco became the store cat of Randa's Market at 16th and Valencia shortly after a Waymo killed KitKat in October. A veterinarian discovered leukemia during a visit for shots and spaying, and blood tests revealed the cancer. The owner determined Coco needed a different environment because a weakened immune system would require frequent vet visits and could be costly. Zeidan identified SNAP Cats, a Santa Rosa sanctuary for special-needs cats, but the sanctuary was full. A cat sitter, Karen Langland, offered temporary care and ultimately found a permanent adoptive home for Coco. Zeidan described letting Coco go as heartbreaking and plans to get another bodega cat.

Read at Mission Local