When the staff at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home decided to throw a birthday party for one of their longest residents, they were hoping for a happy ending.
After months of waiting, this was supposed to be the day someone finally noticed Monique.
Instead, it turned out to be the most heartbreaking day of all.
Monique is a two-year-old cat with striking eyes and a gentle soul. She’s playful, affectionate, and always curious.
She arrived at the shelter a little shy, but once she got comfortable, her personality lit up every room she padded into.
Staff quickly fell in love with her. She had everything going for her, except for one thing.
Monique has feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV. It sounds scarier than it is. The condition can be managed easily and does not affect humans or dogs.
But because FIV can be passed between cats, Monique has to be the only feline in her future home.
That one condition has kept her from being adopted for over 120 days.
The average cat at Battersea finds a home in just over three weeks. Monique had been waiting four times that.
So when her birthday started approaching—on Valentine’s Day, no less—the team came up with a special idea.
A birthday party.
They thought maybe, just maybe, if visitors saw Monique surrounded by decorations and love, they would stop and take notice.
Maybe they’d ask questions. Maybe they’d fall in love like the staff already had.
And maybe Monique would finally find a forever home of her own.
Valentine’s Day arrived and the shelter was ready. Banners were hung. Treats were prepared. Monique was front and center, looking as sweet as ever.
Everyone was hopeful.
But as the minutes turned to hours, not a single visitor came for Monique.
Despite all the effort and love put into the party, no one showed up to meet her.
The staff were heartbroken. After everything this little cat had waited for, after all the excitement and preparation, the room stayed quiet.
Monique, however, didn’t let it ruin her day. True to form, she stayed cheerful.
She curled up for cheek rubs, soaked up the attention from staff and volunteers, and made the most of her quiet celebration.
“She got a lot of fuss and love from our team,” said Nikki Cummins, one of the shelter’s communications officers.
“Even though no potential adopters came, we made sure she knew just how loved she is.”
Still, the goal of the party remained unmet.
Monique was still waiting.
Her ideal home is one without other cats or dogs. A quiet place with an enclosed garden where she can stretch her legs and enjoy the outdoors without risking her health or anyone else’s.
She’d be happy living with children too, as long as they understand she needs a little space and time to settle.
It’s not an impossible wish list. It just needs someone who can look past the word “FIV” and see the loving, loyal companion waiting behind it.
And for now, as the days go on, Monique continues to sit perched at the shelter.
She watches the world go by, paws tucked neatly under her chest, content with the affection of those around her but still holding out for someone to call her own.
She may not know it, but the shelter hasn’t given up. Her story is being shared. Her name is being heard.
Somewhere out there, the right person is reading about her for the first time.
Maybe today is the day Monique finally gets picked.
Because while her birthday party may have ended in silence, her story is far from over.