Carmine showed up on a locals front porch in Palmerston incredibly emaciated and sick with a terrible URI. While intake was technically closed, we couldn’t bear to leave this sweet boy outside without proper care.

Carmine was brought in to our Vet Care Coordinator's home where he was given all the medical attention he needed. From day one, Carmine has been the most snuggly and affectionate cat. He was treated for malnutrition, and did months of medication to help his breathing. It's been determined that Carmine has “broken” sinuses and will always have loud breathing. Despite multiple rounds of different medications, Carmine has only become stable in his recovery. He has loud, laboured breathing, and will often cough, sneeze, and overall be snotty. He’s like a little pug or bulldog; he snores while asleep and snorts with affection while being snuggled.

Carmine has been cleared by our vet, as he is stable and not contagious. While he will most likely always have symptoms, he’s an incredibly lovely cat who is ready for his very own forever home. Carmine is given Lysine in his wet food daily, and a steam bath when congested, but other than that he is very low maintenance.

Carmine has lived with cats of all ages, a large dog, and LOVES children. He currently is fostered with a young child and will always sleep right beside her (his snoring is almost like a white noise machine to her). He also lives with kittens, and senior cats and is very respectful and kind. While Carmine is FIV+, we see virtually no risk of transmission as that results from deep bite wounds and he’s just too kind and sleepy to fight.

Carmine is the perfect example that a sick, FIV+, stray cat can make the absolute best companion and can happily coexist with other cats.