Bob is a very special special needs boy. Bob has FIV--the feline form of HIV. Like HIV, FIV does make him more susceptible to some things--like gingevitis and flakey skin. Bob will live a long, long time, but the people who adopt him will need to be prepared for more frequent dental care, exams, and possible other medical issues. In addition, Bob should take supplements all his life.

What's important is that Bob is a super loving animal, sweet as can be. He loves to curl up on the electric blanket or in front of the air conditioning vent (depending on the season), and he loves to be petted and stroked. He'll even groom you occasionally!

Like most of the Happy Cats, Bob's beginnings weren't that happy. He must have been somebody's baby (isn't that a song?) but he also must have wandered away when he hit puberty, because as a young man, already adult, but young, he was found by a rescuer, wandering hungry and fighting with every male around.

Once neutered and ensconced in a home, Bob proved himself to be a cat of a certain magnetism, and people were charmed by him. One special lady adopted him, but not long after, was sent to Iraq and Bob returned to his foster home.

The stress was a lot for poor Bob, and he developed urinary tract problems, namely crystals in his urine (OUCH!). Treated for it, and remaining on canned food to prevent more, Bob is a happy, healthy member of his foster family. But without a family of his own, he's doing a lot of snoozing on the blankets and sofa, and he's put on some pounds.

Bob needs a home of his own. If you know and love cats, and you love Bob, you don't really have to worry about him infecting your existing cats. FIV is transmitted only by a deep puncture wound from the infected cat to the negative cat. Bob is neutered, and his personality is sweet and loving. In fact, he mingles with his foster family's negative cats and never fights.

Bob would love to be an only cat as well. His gentle, loving nature and mellow ways endear him to all who meet him, even though his tough hide and battle-scarred head give proof to the fact he was once a tough street Tom. He sleeps on his foster mom's bed every night, and is always on his cat tree waiting for meal times.

Maybe you've had a tough time in life too, and can identify with Bob. Maybe you're not the prettiest guy on the block, but maybe you also know how much love a tough bird like Bob can have in his heart for just the right family.

Do you want to give Bob a chance? Go to his webpage at www.HappyCatAdoptions.org and click on the Adoptions link to fill out an online application so you can come out to meet this charmer. And don't worry--FIV is not transmittable to humans or dogs or any other animal.