A young cat has turned another year older while she waits at Battersea for someone to decide she is The One to take her home with them.
In a bittersweet twist, the unlucky in love cat’s second birthday fell on Valentine’s Day, so staff threw Monique a party in the hope of encouraging visitors to take a minute and stop and find out more about her.
Sadly, no one enquired about the birthday girl and her search for a new owner continued.
Battersea’s Cattery Team Leader, Chrissie Grindrod, said: “It’s always a shame to see one of our cats be repeatedly overlooked, especially one so young and with so much to offer as a pet. Monique is a gentle soul who thrives with human company, whether that be playing with her favourite toys together or curling up side by side on the sofa. She also won’t ever say no to a chin rub or two.
“Her birthday and Valentine’s Day may now have passed, but it’s not too late to give Monique her dream gift of a lovely new home.”
The striking rescue cat has now been Battersea’s care for 115 days, more than 5 times longer than the average cat at the charity.
Staff believe the reason for Monique’s unusually long stay is because she is living with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV+).
While Monique will most likely live a long and healthy life like any oher cat, it does mean her new owners will need to ‘cat proof’ their garden to ensure Monique can explore outdoors and enjoy some fresh air, without coming in to contact with other cats and potentially spreading the virus.
Chrissie added: “We would encourage any potentially owners to get in touch regardless of what they do or don’t know already about FIV, and whether or not their garden is currently cat proof. Our team are always on hand to answer any questions and offer advice including the simple steps required to secure a garden for a FIV+ pet to enjoy.
“Monique is a wonderful cat who deserves loving owners willing to go the extra mile for her, we assure you she’s worth it.”
Monique is not the only FIV+ cat at Battersea currently looking for a home, her cattery neighbours tuxedo cat Cupid and wonky-eared Bear are also hoping to find love.
To find out more about why rescue animals make the best pets, visit the Battersea website, or join the rescue movement by using #RescueIsMyFavouriteBreed.
Further information about FIV can be found on the here.
