Boris is a cat who arrived at the
APL with three, or maybe four, significant challenges. Surrendered by a Good Samaritan who found him as a stray, Boris’ initial examination revealed an upper respiratory infection. He tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), making any kind of infection a serious matter. Boris was older, around nine years old. And, he needed surgery to correct a condition that caused his eyelashes to grow inwards, potentially scratching his cornea. Regardless, Boris received the necessary eye surgery and medical care from the
APL veterinary staff, followed by some TLC in a foster home. He then returned to the
APL, to find his new home.
Boris’ timing was good. Shortly after his return from foster care, Kristina came to the
APL and asked to see the “old, fat cats,” she recalls with a laugh. You see, Kristina believes strongly in the importance of animal rescue, and knew she could give a senior a loving home. When Kristina saw Boris it was love at first sight–she saw past his age and chronic health condition, and recognized him for the prince he is! But, his happily-ever-after would have to wait just a little longer; Kristina was moving to a new home in a few weeks, and needed to wait until then to adopt Boris. She visited him at the
APL every few days, bringing him catnip. She was a bit nervous each time, afraid Boris might have been adopted by someone else. She “would have been devastated” she admits, had he not been there.
Boris is one smart cat. He waited for Kristina. And finally, the day came when Boris went home to his new life. He didn’t waste a single moment hiding in the closet or under furniture; he set right to work claiming a favorite sleeping spot…er, spots: on the back of the couch; on the bed pillows (he’ll push off anyone in his way), or in the middle of any comfortable piece of clothing Kristina is about to put on. He is, Kristina admits, “super bossy.”
Boris’s new life is fit for royalty. He has tennis balls to chase, a catnip stash (he meows at the drawer where it’s kept), and a grandma who calls him her “grandkitty!” When Kristina discovered Boris was afraid of thunderstorms, she built him a little fort on the couch, so he can hide and feel safe. And Kristina takes Boris’s FIV status in stride, being vigilant and treating any health issues promptly.
In addition to the best sleeping spots, Boris claimed another spot as well, on Kristina herself! Kristina loves him so much, she got a colorful tattoo of Boris on her forearm, so he’s with her wherever she goes.
Boris clearly won the most important spot of all–the one in Kristina’s heart! Congratulations, Boris, on your happily-ever-after!