You can take the cat out of Brooklyn, but you can’t take the Brooklyn out of the cat. Lester comes to Tabby’s Place with all the quirky charisma of New York’s biggest borough.

With bushels of bravado, Lester struts through his suite giddily. The only thing bigger than Lester’s self-confidence is his sweetness. He’s come to command the affections of his fellow felines and humans alike. Equally happy cuddling a kitty comrade or melting into a lap, Lester is, quite simply, all love – with sprinkles of comedy and character.

Our Brooklyn boy’s zesty personality is echoed in his wacky good looks. If his friend Newman is like a Renoir painting, symmetrical and classically handsome, Lester is a Picasso. We love all his swirls and angles, and we know his handsome, huggable mug would look most beautiful in a forever home.

So why isn’t such a stellar soul already adopted? It may have a little something to do with the fact that Lester is a Special Needs cat. Sometime back in his Brooklyn days, Lester became infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

The virus disables or destroys a cat’s white blood cells, leaving him susceptible to infections. Once a cat gets FIV, he is infected for life and can transmit the virus if he bites another cat. Although FIV+ cats can live for as many happy, healthy years as other kitties, the condition tends to scare away potential adopters. Public shelters are often forced to euthanize sweet, amazing FIV+ cats like Lester simply because they are likely to take up cage space for a long time.

Lester’s FIV doesn’t require any special medical intervention, but it’s another story when it comes to his gastrointestinal issues. Lester suffers from chronic diarrhea, which we control with a prescription diet.

Happily, our little character made it to Tabby’s Place, where he’ll receive everything he needs to thrive and have a cage-free home for life – if, of course, he isn’t adopted first. Since Lester is such a standout sweetheart, we’re optimistic that the right family will come along. In the meantime, however, you can help to provide Lester with the extra veterinary care, attention and love he needs to thrive with joy and courage. Won’t you open your heart to this brave Brooklyn boy?