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.
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
