Smokey
In April 2024, I was found as a stray cat with open wounds on my head and face. I had always been an outdoor cat, fending for myself for some time. But even the cleverest cat will risk a quarrel with another stray cat, and I ended up the loser in the fight. That is when I contracted Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV is a virus found only in cats that can gradually weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight certain infections. Even with FIV, I can live a long, happy life with regular veterinary checkups, a nutritious diet, and staying indoors. I am now 7-years-old, so I have a long life ahead of me. The interviewer lady told me she had an FIV+ cat that she loved for nearly 18 years; I knew she was a fan. She and I had a delightful petting session, and she told me I am one of her favorite cats she's interviewed. I went to live in a foster home for 8 months. My foster mom reported that I was thriving! To quote her, "He's probably the friendliest cat I've ever met. He runs to the door to greet me and follows me everywhere. He's never met a stranger and even greets people when they walk through the door. He's not the type to hide; Smokey will have an entire conversation with anyone. If I call his name, he will meow back at me. He coexists with the dog." She noted that my favorite activities were napping, looking out the window, drinking from my cat fountain (I'm obsessed with this thing!), and keeping an eye on my food dish. [I may not be hungry, but if the bowl is empty, I meowed to let her know.] Happily, I was adopted in March 2025. Although I was recently found in a Bloomington shelter in June 2026, I know my journey isn't over. Now, I have a fresh start and another chance to find a loving forever home. My heart is still full of hope, and I look forward to sharing my charm and sweet temperament with a new family who will appreciate my resilient spirit. 6-18-26