Beloved 'Dollar Tree Cat' Leo Passes Away at 10 Years Old

The feline fixture at a local Eureka store was known for his friendly nature and love of attention.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:04am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, hazy tones depicting a cat's paw reaching out from a blurred background, conceptually representing the memory of a beloved neighborhood pet.The passing of 'Leo the Lion,' a cherished neighborhood cat, marks the end of an era for the tight-knit Eureka community.Eureka Today

Leo, a 20-pound cat affectionately known as 'Leo the Lion,' passed away on April 2, 2026 at his Eureka home at the age of 10. The beloved feline was a fixture at the local Dollar Tree store, where he would visit daily and receive treats, cuddles, and attention from the staff and customers. In his later years, Leo's health declined, but he remained a cherished member of the community until the end.

Why it matters

Leo's story highlights the special bond that can form between a community and a local animal celebrity. His presence at the Dollar Tree brought joy to many, and his passing is a loss felt by the Eureka neighborhood he had become a part of. This type of community-based pet ownership and care is a heartwarming example of how animals can enrich the lives of those around them.

The details

Leo was adopted from the Humboldt County Animal Shelter in 2016 and spent the last 10 years of his life living with his human family on Hill Street in Eureka. During his prime, the large cat weighed 20 pounds and was affectionately nicknamed 'Leo the Lion.' In his later years, Leo's weight dropped to under 10 pounds, but he never lost his strong spirit and desire to visit his favorite local business, the Dollar Tree, where he was beloved by the staff and customers.

  • Leo was adopted from the Humboldt County Animal Shelter on October 11, 2016.
  • Leo passed away at his Eureka home on April 2, 2026 at the age of 10.

The players

Leo

A 20-pound cat affectionately known as 'Leo the Lion' who was a fixture at the local Dollar Tree store in Eureka, California.

Marlena Folden, D.V.M.

The veterinarian who cared for Leo during his later years as his health declined.

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The takeaway

Leo's story is a heartwarming example of how a beloved community pet can bring joy and connection to a neighborhood. Even as his health declined in his later years, Leo remained a cherished fixture at the local Dollar Tree, reminding us of the power of simple acts of kindness and the special bonds that can form between humans and animals.