Living with Sparkler, my FIV Positive Cat

I owned a cat years ago; she lived to be 19. 

Carol was my childhood cat and I adored her. She was a Maine Coon cat and she was beautiful. Carol was going to be a hard act to follow, but maybe if I gave another cat a chance, I’d find my perfect pet.  

I roamed through the rooms at the “Scratching Post”, a place cats can call home at Caring For Creatures. There were many cats to choose from, but one in particular climbed into my arms from the place where he perched. I later learned that this cat had climbed into several people’s arms, but I didn’t know that at the time, and I assumed that he was adopting me because I was special (I like thinking that animals find me to be special, it is very satisfying). By the time I connected with “Sparkler”, it really didn’t matter that he was FIV positive; he was coming home. The decision on Sparkler’s part was pretty straightforward, “You’re looking to adopt a cat, and I’m a cat.” That’s pretty much how Sparkler thinks.  

Yes, I said that Sparkler is FIV positive. He is healthy now; no one can know what the future will bring. But I live with a cat, not a disease. I live with love and a big cat personality. His disease today is not a disability. If it becomes so, I will relish the opportunity to give care and veterinary attention to my beloved friend. 

I wondered how Sparkler would do with my (then) 4 dogs (I now have 8). Not a problem. Sparkler moved in and took over the house. The dogs respect Sparkler, and Sparkler is not about to be intimated. Everyone gets along well. Sparkler sleeps with the dogs, plays with the dogs, and chooses to eat when the dogs eat. If one of the dogs has taken ill, Sparkler becomes “nurse Sparkler” and does regular checks on the dog throughout the day and night. You see, they’re family. 

Sparkler takes care of the house: checks to make sure that no field mice move in, nibbles on his kitty herbs, and rests between bouts of jumping and play. Sparkler will seek me out. I mean something to him, as does my attention. Sparkler is very purposeful; when he meows, you know he has something to say. 

Now a dog might be woman’s best friend, but a cat makes himself available 24/7. That is, in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep, or I’m fretting over something, Sparkler is awake and available for consultation. He doesn’t mind and is very good at soothing my soul. That’s his specialty.

In bed at night or during nap times, Sparkler cuddles up next to me. If I’m awake, he gets petted. If I’m asleep, he is content just to have his body next to mine. 

To my mind the cost of caring for Sparkler: food, kitty litter, etc., is minimal, but the love that Sparkler gives is priceless.