José Vargas Arrieta, an elderly man affectionately known as Don Gato, is facing a difficult and painful time as he continues his lifelong mission of caring for abandoned cats in San José, particularly around the Borbón Market.

Recently recovering from a severe accident that resulted in fractures to his collarbone and eleven ribs, Don Gato is now confronted with the pressing necessity of finding a new place to live.

Due to the sale of his current residence, located north of the former Líbano cinema where he has lived for the past eighteen years, he must vacate the property by April.

The new owners intend to demolish the building to construct a larger structure.

Don Gato has been given three months to locate a new home, but time is running out.

He requires a new residence in San José that can accommodate him and the thirty elderly cats he cares for while awaiting adoption.

At 66 years old, Don Gato expressed his concerns over finding a rental apartment capable of housing him alongside his cats, many of whom are older and cannot fend for themselves.

"I have 30 elderly cats, and no one will rent to me like this.

They are old and without teeth.

I cannot abandon them, as they are an invisible population," he stated.

Over the last 15 years, he has been dedicated to caring for these vulnerable animals found in the streets and market areas.

Don Gato's worries extend beyond just finding accommodation; he emphasizes that if he cannot find a place, he may have to choose between keeping his elderly cats or abandoning them to the streets, which he finds unbearable.

He highlighted that he does not seek assistance for himself but rather for the well-being of the cats he feels a profound responsibility for.

Despite his challenging circumstances, he has remained active as an independent worker and industrial electromechanic.

He typically purchases around 10 kilograms of cat food daily to feed both his cats and others in the area.

His living condition and commitment to caring for abandoned cats have prompted him to seek affordable housing, regardless of its modesty, ensuring safety for the animals.

Don Gato has received suggestions to relocate to rural areas where people may be more inclined to rent to him and his animals, including Monteverde, which is located approximately 150 kilometers from San José.

However, he faces logistical challenges as he does not own a vehicle, only a bicycle that was taken during his hospitalization following his accident, resulting in a fine he currently cannot afford.

The relationships he has built with the local community reflect an understanding and shared responsibility towards the well-being of abandoned animals.

Local workers and vendors at the market often alert him when the cats are waiting for him, emphasizing a mutual recognition of his dedication to these animals that many have come to rely on.

Don Gato's ongoing efforts to feed and care for the cats, amid adverse conditions, highlight the unique human-animal connection that transcends traditional boundaries of companionship.

As he continues to advocate for the cats in his care, he remains hopeful of finding a new place to live where he can continue his mission.