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Shelter Workers Organize This Cat’s Birthday Hoping Someone Will Adopt Her, But No One Turns Up
There’s one dreadful nightmare—apart from failing a math exam and turning up to school wearing nothing but slippers—that haunts us throughout our lives, no matter the age. And it’s the ultimate RSVP gone wrong. You’re standing in the middle of a balloon-filled rental café watching your birthday candle slowly melting your dreams and childhood away. Luckily, you turn over and fall asleep again.
But that was not the case for this 2-year-old rescue cat, Monique. She is not quite a party animal, but who doesn’t love letting their fur down once in a while? When Battersea Dogs and Cats Home threw a birthday bash for this adorable cat, not a single guest turned up. What a bunch of party poopers! The purr-day girl has FIV (which can’t be passed to humans,) which might explain why she has stayed in the animal shelter for 115 days. Now Monique is in search for anyone ready for cat adoption.
Bored Panda spoke to Nikki Cummins, the communications officer at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, and found out everything you’d want to know about this cute cat, including the latest updates on her life.
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2-year-old rescue cat Monique has been at the shelter for a while now so the staff organized her a birthday party
Image credits: Battersea_PA
“It’s my purrday and I’ll cry if I want to!” – nobody was there to congratulate this b-day girl
Image credits: Battersea
Image credits: Battersea
115 days have passed, but no one has applied to adopt her
Image credits: Battersea
In an interview with Bored Panda, Nikki Cummins said that Monique has no clue that she’s an internet star now. “Monique is blissfully unaware of her newfound fame and is currently enjoying one of her many daily naps.” The not-so-happy news is that she still hasn’t found a forever family and spends her days in a cat shelter. “Although she would love to be in a home of her own, she’s settled into life at the cattery and is content spending quality time with our staff.”
The shelter staff and volunteers were disappointed that Monique’s birthday didn’t attract any potential new owners. On the other hand, Nikki assures readers that “she got a LOT of cheek rubs that day.” It turns out that the furry birthday girl is a “really sweet and affectionate young cat.” She was a little shy at the beginning when she first arrived, “but once she got to know the people around her, her personality shone through and she’s always happy to see us.”
Monique’s FIV+ status is no threat to humans, but her potential owners will need to have patience
Monique has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, a slow-acting cat disease that cannot be passed on to humans or any other type of animal. Nikki explains that “It is estimated to affect between 2 and 5% of the UK cat population.” When it comes to Monique’s case, potential owners need to be aware that “that there are cases where a cat will suffer from other diseases as a result of their FIV infection as it can damage their immune system.” Other than that, “Many infected cats like Monique enjoy a normal life and long lifespan with no health issues stemming from the virus.”
Due to her FIV+ status, she must be the only cat in the home and will need a nice garden to explore. Nikki believes that new owners “will have to be patient and give their new cat the space she needs to settle into her new surroundings and slowly build her confidence around new humans.” But once the cat comes out of her shell, “they will have a friend for life,” said the Battersea shelter officer.
Image credits: Battersea
Image credits: Battersea
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home frequently shares wholesome updates of feline life
Image credits: Battersea_
Image credits: Battersea
The shelter said that “Monique loves spending time with her human friends” but due to her FIV+ status she has to be only pet in the house
Image credits: Battersea
Image credits: Battersea
Image credits: Battersea
Monique has tested positive for the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), but it cannot be transmitted to humans
Image credits: Battersea
Image credits: Battersea
Let’s have a look at what people had to say about Monique’s case
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What do you think ?
Magpie 4 years ago
I'd have, But I live in Australia. I have a fiv positive cat already and he is just fine. Has his yearly check up in a month. He will be 15 years old :).
Danielle Renee 4 years ago
i had one years ago that lived to 18 and i have one now that's somewhere around 10-12. it's not an issue and i have other cats. as long as they get along, it's unlikely to pass it.
Load More Replies...
Louise B 4 years ago
That cat is absolutely majestic! What a beauty! 😻 I don't understand why no one has taken her in? All I can think is that her condition means huge vet bills or something 🤷♀️
Bengü Taşkesen 4 years ago
No, if it gets sick with another disease, her immune system may not be able to fight it, that's all. Like human HIV. Not necessarily larger vet bills.
Load More Replies...
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Our FIV-positive cat 1. lived to be 18 without any FIV issues; and 2. lived with others cats without transmitting it.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
BP wouldn't let me edit, but: Note: FIV transmits mainly thorugh *bites*. Like, not playful ones, but actual bite *wounds*.
Load More Replies...
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago (edited)
I was really surprised by the first comment. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home rejecting people because they live in a flat? I'm quite sure that any cat would rather live with a caring and loving owner in a flat than being locked up in a shelter. We have 3 cats and they live indoors allthough we have a garden because we don't want to trouble our neighbours with our cats. All 3 cats are happy, healthy and playfull. Some shelters really are clueless. Such a shame....
Batwench 4 years ago
FIV cats are generally advised to be indoors cats as well as being on their own. Mind you what they call flats in London could be called broom cupboards in the rest of the country.
Christina Uhlir 4 years ago
How much room does she has at the shelter? Isn't she isolated from other resident cats?
Load More Replies... 
Spoder Man 2 years ago
I hope someone can adopt her before her life gets taken away I hope and wish that she’ll be happy
Riptide 4 years ago
I am so so so sad i need to adopt all the poor animals who suffer this how did no one come she is so cute i would have walked!
Sidney Friedman 4 years ago
Where can I adopt this cat I’m crying I want that cat please I want it how do I adopt the cat
Juls Catten 4 years ago
It is INCORRECT that you cannot house an FIV + and - cat together. The disease is spread sexually or by deep penetrating bites. If the two cats get along, it is perfectly safe to have one by positive, and that kind of misinformation makes positive cats LESS adoptable.
Trish Greene 4 years ago
I currently have a cat with FIV, but he lives with his three brothers, none of whom have gotten it from him. I think if Monique can find a family with another laid-back sorta cat, they shouldn't have any issues.
Lara Miller 4 years ago
Awww! She's absolutely gorgeous! FIV or no, I would love to take her in to our home. We already have a rescued cat though that really doesn't get on well with other cats. I hope she finds her loving forever home soon <3
Lisa Pockat Bork 4 years ago
Poor Monique. I can't believe that nobody showed up for this beautiful girl. I would love to adopt her but I already have the legal limit for my community. :'(
Jackie Wacky 4 years ago
Monique is a beautiful cat! I cannot believe that no-one turned up for her birthday party... I have a cat, otherwise I’d come down right now and take this gorgeous kitty home. Hope you find your forever home soon, pretty kitty xxx
Lara Harris 4 years ago
All of my cats over the last ten years have been FIV babies. We only adopt FIV's because they are so hard to home. We've two currently. Aston and Tippy. They are no harder to care for than any other kitty. It's very hard to transmit from one cat to another animal without a very deep bite or through by it being passed from a mummy to her kittens in vitro. Please don't be put off by it. I'd have her in a heartbeat.
Dorothy McLean 4 years ago
Battersea does a great job but in this case they shot themselves in the foot. She is beautiful and young and looks pretty darn good. I run a cat sanctuary in New York with multiple FIV+ kids. I've been doing it for thirty years. Always had FIV+ cats living cheek by jowel with those without that immune compromisation. It's essentially bite-transmitted. When cats are spay/neutered the aggression goes away. I would say if you have an aggressive cat already Monique is not for you. Some cats are meant to be only cats. But it isn't true that she necessarily needs to be alone. The FIV+ souls I have had and have now seem to always be old souls who just want to hang out and enjoy company. The shelter can always ask perspective owners about their current cats to make sure it's a good fit but don't lock her out of what could be a great home just because you scare folks about FIV. Dorothy
Hannah Spivey 4 years ago
that's so sad that no one came and I would have definitely adopted her but I don't live by but hope she still had a great b-day
Shelly Hoernicke 4 years ago
FIV cats do not need to be the only cat in the household. Friendly playing, mutual grooming, sharing of food dishes will not transmit the disease. Continuing these negative comments about FIV assures that many cats will never get adopted. She can travel to Canada and the USA. We have had many international adoptions of cats with FIV. The shelter should consider working with a rescue to open up the world to this beautiful girl. Happy Birthday 🎂 Monique, I pray the shelter wakes up and gives you a chance at a loving family.🙏
Water Bottle 4 years ago
I get that some people mean it, but most people just say that they will adopt said pet, but in reality you’re most likely never going to look at this cat again. Honestly just don’t say anything.
Sardonic Scribe 4 years ago
I'm from Canada, and completely a dog person, but good god damn - NO animal (especially such a pretty one like Monique) deserves to be in a shelter for that length of time. Poor sweetie. I hope she finds her forever home soon!
Vancea Louisa 4 years ago
So it seems that this shelter has put down many dogs in the past, for various reasons. I don't know if they do the same with kitties but this cat needs to be taken out of there ASAP, before they put her down too...For anyone who plans on adopting her, just click the website in the description and you'll find her and their contacts.
weatherwitch 4 years ago
Oh poor lass. It is special requirements, single cat only and indoors but surely someone would take on this beauty? I have nine cats myself, eight of which are former feral colony so excellent friends but it is complex finding someone to look after her as required
Eunice Probert 4 years ago
I would love to adopt her, I've had cats with FIV before. But I live too far away, and I already have two young cats who do not have FIV. I hope Monique gets a nice home soon.
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
I had an FIV positive cat that lived with my other foster babies. I loved that cat so much. FIV doesn’t mean they are really any different. They don’t even need meds for it.
Magpie 4 years ago
I'd have, But I live in Australia. I have a fiv positive cat already and he is just fine. Has his yearly check up in a month. He will be 15 years old :).
Danielle Renee 4 years ago
i had one years ago that lived to 18 and i have one now that's somewhere around 10-12. it's not an issue and i have other cats. as long as they get along, it's unlikely to pass it.
Load More Replies... Louise B 4 years ago
That cat is absolutely majestic! What a beauty! 😻 I don't understand why no one has taken her in? All I can think is that her condition means huge vet bills or something 🤷♀️
Bengü Taşkesen 4 years ago
No, if it gets sick with another disease, her immune system may not be able to fight it, that's all. Like human HIV. Not necessarily larger vet bills.
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Our FIV-positive cat 1. lived to be 18 without any FIV issues; and 2. lived with others cats without transmitting it.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
BP wouldn't let me edit, but: Note: FIV transmits mainly thorugh *bites*. Like, not playful ones, but actual bite *wounds*.
Load More Replies... WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago (edited)
I was really surprised by the first comment. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home rejecting people because they live in a flat? I'm quite sure that any cat would rather live with a caring and loving owner in a flat than being locked up in a shelter. We have 3 cats and they live indoors allthough we have a garden because we don't want to trouble our neighbours with our cats. All 3 cats are happy, healthy and playfull. Some shelters really are clueless. Such a shame....
Batwench 4 years ago
FIV cats are generally advised to be indoors cats as well as being on their own. Mind you what they call flats in London could be called broom cupboards in the rest of the country.
Christina Uhlir 4 years ago
How much room does she has at the shelter? Isn't she isolated from other resident cats?
Load More Replies... Spoder Man 2 years ago
I hope someone can adopt her before her life gets taken away I hope and wish that she’ll be happy
Riptide 4 years ago
I am so so so sad i need to adopt all the poor animals who suffer this how did no one come she is so cute i would have walked!
Sidney Friedman 4 years ago
Where can I adopt this cat I’m crying I want that cat please I want it how do I adopt the cat
Juls Catten 4 years ago
It is INCORRECT that you cannot house an FIV + and - cat together. The disease is spread sexually or by deep penetrating bites. If the two cats get along, it is perfectly safe to have one by positive, and that kind of misinformation makes positive cats LESS adoptable.
Trish Greene 4 years ago
I currently have a cat with FIV, but he lives with his three brothers, none of whom have gotten it from him. I think if Monique can find a family with another laid-back sorta cat, they shouldn't have any issues.
Lara Miller 4 years ago
Awww! She's absolutely gorgeous! FIV or no, I would love to take her in to our home. We already have a rescued cat though that really doesn't get on well with other cats. I hope she finds her loving forever home soon <3
Lisa Pockat Bork 4 years ago
Poor Monique. I can't believe that nobody showed up for this beautiful girl. I would love to adopt her but I already have the legal limit for my community. :'(
Jackie Wacky 4 years ago
Monique is a beautiful cat! I cannot believe that no-one turned up for her birthday party... I have a cat, otherwise I’d come down right now and take this gorgeous kitty home. Hope you find your forever home soon, pretty kitty xxx
Lara Harris 4 years ago
All of my cats over the last ten years have been FIV babies. We only adopt FIV's because they are so hard to home. We've two currently. Aston and Tippy. They are no harder to care for than any other kitty. It's very hard to transmit from one cat to another animal without a very deep bite or through by it being passed from a mummy to her kittens in vitro. Please don't be put off by it. I'd have her in a heartbeat.
Dorothy McLean 4 years ago
Battersea does a great job but in this case they shot themselves in the foot. She is beautiful and young and looks pretty darn good. I run a cat sanctuary in New York with multiple FIV+ kids. I've been doing it for thirty years. Always had FIV+ cats living cheek by jowel with those without that immune compromisation. It's essentially bite-transmitted. When cats are spay/neutered the aggression goes away. I would say if you have an aggressive cat already Monique is not for you. Some cats are meant to be only cats. But it isn't true that she necessarily needs to be alone. The FIV+ souls I have had and have now seem to always be old souls who just want to hang out and enjoy company. The shelter can always ask perspective owners about their current cats to make sure it's a good fit but don't lock her out of what could be a great home just because you scare folks about FIV. Dorothy
Hannah Spivey 4 years ago
that's so sad that no one came and I would have definitely adopted her but I don't live by but hope she still had a great b-day
Shelly Hoernicke 4 years ago
FIV cats do not need to be the only cat in the household. Friendly playing, mutual grooming, sharing of food dishes will not transmit the disease. Continuing these negative comments about FIV assures that many cats will never get adopted. She can travel to Canada and the USA. We have had many international adoptions of cats with FIV. The shelter should consider working with a rescue to open up the world to this beautiful girl. Happy Birthday 🎂 Monique, I pray the shelter wakes up and gives you a chance at a loving family.🙏
Water Bottle 4 years ago
I get that some people mean it, but most people just say that they will adopt said pet, but in reality you’re most likely never going to look at this cat again. Honestly just don’t say anything.
Sardonic Scribe 4 years ago
I'm from Canada, and completely a dog person, but good god damn - NO animal (especially such a pretty one like Monique) deserves to be in a shelter for that length of time. Poor sweetie. I hope she finds her forever home soon!
Vancea Louisa 4 years ago
So it seems that this shelter has put down many dogs in the past, for various reasons. I don't know if they do the same with kitties but this cat needs to be taken out of there ASAP, before they put her down too...For anyone who plans on adopting her, just click the website in the description and you'll find her and their contacts.
weatherwitch 4 years ago
Oh poor lass. It is special requirements, single cat only and indoors but surely someone would take on this beauty? I have nine cats myself, eight of which are former feral colony so excellent friends but it is complex finding someone to look after her as required
Eunice Probert 4 years ago
I would love to adopt her, I've had cats with FIV before. But I live too far away, and I already have two young cats who do not have FIV. I hope Monique gets a nice home soon.
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
I had an FIV positive cat that lived with my other foster babies. I loved that cat so much. FIV doesn’t mean they are really any different. They don’t even need meds for it.
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