Smoosh came to Lort Smith after another shelter couldn't rehome him.
"He was a little thin, and had scars over his eyes – clearly from a fight. But immediately a lovely cat," says Dr Paula, who gave him his first examination.
We're not going to lie: before he came to Lort Smith, life was tough. For years, Smoosh had clearly been left outside, exposed to the harsh sun.
This caused skin cancer on his ears, which is common in fair cats. His ears needed to be removed to make sure an infection didn't develop.
On top of this, our vets quickly discovered Smoosh was completely deaf.
That explained why a cat with such a gentle personality could be sporting so many battle scars from cat fights.
It was clear that in his previous life, neighbourhood feline louts used to pick on Smoosh, causing him to catch feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
I love my FIV boys.
Stacey
A perfect match
Although he was FIV positive, Smoosh's overall health was in very good shape, and his charm took everyone by surprise.
Stacey had spotted Smoosh not long after he arrived at Lort Smith. She kept her eye on him for weeks before making her move. As time went by and he didn't find a home, she knew it was time to try him out with her FIV-positive cats at home.
To say they got on like a house on fire is an understatement. Her two cats welcomed Smoosh into the home straight away, and the adoption papers were signed soon after!
Smoosh now lives a peaceful indoor life with his two FIV-positive buddies, Mitta and Kong, and loves every minute of it.
"My boys get along so well. Kong and Mitta know that Smoosh is special needs and they are so respectful and caring towards him. I love my FIV boys," says Stacey.
FIV-positive cats shouldn't be overlooked when you're deciding to adopt. They simply have a compromised immune system, and can still live long and happy lives. And they have just as much love to give!