A cat has spent 548 days waiting for a home at the Humane Society of York County in Fort Mill.

Zara, estimated to be about 3½ years old, arrived at the shelter as an owner surrender, according to volunteer Mary Beth Knapp. She spends her days in the Cat Lounge, where staff say she tends to run the room.

"She's a cat," Knapp wrote, as first reported by YoCo News. "She holds all rights to be what she wants when she wants."

The shelter hopes to place Zara with a single adopter, a couple or a family. Visitors can meet her in the Cat Lounge or call to schedule an appointment.

The shelter's other featured animal is Triscuit, an 11-year-old dog who arrived as a stray and tested positive for heartworms at intake. Staff treated her, and she has been cleared. They describe her as relaxed with a strong interest in treats. She gets along with small dogs but not cats, and the shelter wants a quiet home for her senior years.

Both animals are spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and tested.

The Humane Society of York County, at 8177 Regent Parkway, spends more than $190,000 each year on medical care for animals in its custody, according to the shelter's website. Cases like Triscuit's heartworm treatment are part of that cost.

As of Oct. 19, the shelter had placed 554 animals in permanent homes in 2026, including 118 dogs and 436 cats, according to YoCo News. That figure has risen steadily: the Fort Mill Sun reported 508 placements as of Sept. 21, and YoCo News reported 543 by Oct. 12.

The shelter is also marking Pit Bull Appreciation Month this October and has several pit bulls available for adoption.

Knapp told YoCo News on Oct. 12, speaking about a different dog abandoned at the shelter overnight, "As we often say, they all have their stories and we only have a glimpse."

The organization is asking for donations of clay cat litter, laundry detergent, bleach and both hard and soft dog treats. Residents can also help by fostering, volunteering at the shelter or at the Pawsibilities thrift shop at 2144 Carolina Place in Fort Mill, or shopping the shelter's eBay store.

To meet Zara or Triscuit, call 803-802-0902. Adoption requirements are posted at humanesocietyofyorkcounty.org.