They were the only ones left at the end of the event 🥺
Last month, the NAWS Humane Society of Illinois hosted a cat adoption event, and many lucky kitties went home to start new lives. But by the end of the day, two sweet kittens — Pixie and Sprout — were still waiting in their cages, overlooked by potential adopters.
Sadly, staff and volunteers knew why these two were passed by.
“Sprout and Pixie are FIV+ kittens, which causes them to be extremely overlooked. Not even catching a second glance sometimes,” explained NAWS director Fran Grzesik on TikTok.
For many adopters, the letters FIV — short for feline immunodeficiency virus — sound intimidating. But the reality is far less scary. And because people don’t take the time to understand their condition, kittens like Pixie and Sprout never get the chance to show off their amazing personalities.
Sprout: The Playful Shadow
Sprout has quickly earned a reputation among volunteers as one of the shelter’s most playful kittens. He’s full of curiosity and energy, always ready to chase a ball, pounce on a feather wand, or investigate the crinkle of a bag. When he’s not busy entertaining himself, Sprout follows people around like a loyal little shadow, proving he has just as much love to give as he has energy.
Pixie: The Cuddle Queen
Pixie, on the other hand, is a little snuggle bug. When she isn’t showing off her acrobatic moves, she’s happiest curled up in a warm lap. With her mix of playful energy and gentle affection, she’s the perfect kitten for anyone looking for both fun and companionship.
What It Means to Adopt an FIV+ Cat
While there is currently no cure for FIV, research from the Cornell Feline Health Center shows that FIV+ cats can live long, healthy lives — often just as long as FIV-negative cats. Caring for them mainly comes down to the same practices recommended for all cats:
- Keep them indoors for safety.
- Schedule regular vet checkups to monitor their health.
- Spay and neuter to reduce aggressive tendencies and fighting.
- Introduce them slowly to new companions to keep the peace.
As Cornell explains:
“Cats in households with stable social structures where housemates do not fight are at little risk of acquiring FIV infections.”
In other words, with a little care and attention, there’s no reason FIV+ cats can’t thrive in a loving home.
A Forever Home Is All They Want
Sprout and Pixie don’t understand why they’re overlooked. They don’t know they’re “different.” All they know is that they want to play, cuddle, and love their humans like any other kitten.
“These kittens don’t deserve to wait for their forever home because of their diagnosis,” Grzesik shared. “They just want to be loved.”
Whether adopted together or separately, Pixie and Sprout are ready to brighten the lives of the families who take a chance on them.