My name is Merlin!

Once upon a time in Texas, a handsome white-and-grey cow-patterned cat named Merlin faced a heartbreaking fate. His original family, upon discovering his FIV-positive diagnosis, decided they could no longer care for him and scheduled him for euthanasia (EU). But Merlin's story was far from over—fate intervened when a compassionate vet stepped in, saving him from that grim outcome and giving him a second chance at life.

Whisked away to safety, Merlin found himself under the wing of Texas CARES, a dedicated rescue organization committed to cats in need. Our team noticed right away that Merlin wasn't your average feline; he's a love bug extraordinaire, especially drawn to men, with a personality that demands (and deserves) endless pets and attention. However, he came with some sniffles—a case of feline calicivirus that left him with chronic congestion and a bit of snot. One of our kind-hearted rescue vets even boarded him for an extended stay, running tests and treatments to get to the bottom of it. The verdict? Merlin is simply a congested-sounding kitty by nature—nothing a little TLC can't handle. His FIV status? It's manageable and no barrier to a full life; he's proof that special-needs cats can be extraordinary companions.

Now, Merlin is on the hunt for his forever home, where he can lounge in an apartment or rule as the solo star of the show. He's too nice a boy—too affectionate, too charming—to let his past define him. Texas CARES is all-in on his journey, covering his vet bills, boarding, and care until the perfect match comes along. But rescues like ours rely on generous hearts like yours to keep going.