My name is Ivy and this is my success story.

I dont remember much about my old life, other than the people couldnt have wanted me because I ended up as a stray, being looked after by the local chimney sweep. He was a lovely man and I got to know and trust him but he had a dog and didnt know if we would hit it off, so he took me to a Cats Protection volunteer. She is part of Cats Protection at North Walsham and from her I was passed on eventually to lovely Lesley, who was my foster mum for about 6 weeks. When I was first taken to Cats Protection, I had to have a blood test and they found I have the cat version of HIV. I thought my days were numbered but Lesley had a surprise up her sleeve. You see, she knew a couple who adopt and care for cats like me. The only thing was, they already had a cat who had a different disease and so couldnt take me straightaway. I was happy though with Lesley and her children and they spent as much time with me as they could. My future Mum and Dad sadly lost their other cat in February but they contacted Lesley and said they couldnt live without a cat, that the house seemed empty, so she told them about me and would they like to have a look at me to see what they thought. Well, the time came and I was beside myself! Would they like me? I thought I'd better have a wash and halfway through my ablutions they appeared! Lesley came in first and then my Mum and finally Dad, I tell you, it was a bit of a tight sqeeze in that pen! Mum cant bend or walk very well but I knew that the moment I set eyes on her and Dad, well, he just wanted to stroke and fuss me, the soft boy! I tend to talk quite alot and so was chattering away to tell them that I would be a good girl if only they would take me home. I neednt have worried, they'd brought a cat carrier with them, so I was going home with them, regardless. You see, my new family dont let me out because I can make other cats poorly if I scratch or bite them but I cant pass the disease onto a human, so I'm safe in that respect. I've been with them since Feb 13th 2009, lucky for me that date is. I havent looked back since and now I'm getting used to a new addition. He's the same as me and came from Cats Protection in Ipswich. They thought he'd never find a new home but mummy says he's here to stay, so I've got to get used to it! I'm still top cat though and have pride of place on the bed where I sleep with daddy in the day and mummy at night. Taffy, that's the new fella's name, is currently residing on the couch but has started to explore my home, much to my disgust! It's early days yet though with him so, we will see.
I've told my story in the hope that any potential new owner can see that we are the same as any other cat. We just have to be kept away from other, healthy cats but we can live with others like us or other animals. Please dont shun us because we're not well. we need loving homes as well.

Meows, squeaks and warbles

Ivyx