Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
Needs special attention,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Meet Esme. A girl who has survived so much, but still has so much love left to give.
We don't know exactly how long Esme spent living on the streets, but we know it was far too long.
When she finally came into our care, the evidence of everything she'd endured was heartbreaking. Her beautiful fur was completely matted, her body was painfully thin, and you could feel nearly every bone beneath her skin.
She had clearly been surviving for a long time. Not living. Just surviving.
We immediately took Esme to our veterinarian, determined to give her the care and comfort she so desperately needed. But during her examination, we received news that made our hearts sink even further.
Esme tested positive for both Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
For a cat who had already endured so much, it felt impossibly unfair.
We know those diagnoses may cause some people to scroll right past her. We know that words like FeLV and FIV can sound scary, especially to someone unfamiliar with them.
But we are begging you to look beyond those three little letters.
Because Esme is so much more than a diagnosis.
She's the sweetest girl who, despite everything humans and life have put her through, still chooses to love. She absolutely adores affection and wants nothing more than to be close to her people. She's perfectly content lying beside you, soaking up your company and reminding you just how special the love of a rescued animal can be.
She's wonderful with children, has a gentle spirit, and has somehow held on to all the love in her heart despite a world that hasn't always been kind to her.
And now, after everything she's survived, we want to give her something she may have never truly experienced.
A home where she's safe.
A soft place to sleep.
A family who loves her unconditionally.
A life where she never has to wonder where her next meal will come from or whether she'll have somewhere warm to rest.
Because of her FeLV and FIV diagnoses, we're searching for a home where Esme can be the only cat* She will also need a family committed to regular veterinary checkups, monitoring her health, and providing the care she needs. While these viruses can affect a cat's immune system and FeLV can shorten life expectancy, a diagnosis doesn't mean Esme can't enjoy a beautiful, happy life filled with love.
We can't promise how many years Esme has ahead of her. But we can promise that however much time she has, she deserves to spend every single day knowing she is wanted.
Esme has spent enough of her life fighting just to survive. It's time someone gave her the chance to simply live.
We don't want her story to be defined by the streets she survived, the condition she was found in, or the diagnoses written in her medical records.
We want her story to be defined by what happens next.
By the family who sees past her circumstances.
By the person who decides she's worth loving, no matter what.
By the happy ending that this sweet girl has waited far too long to find.
If there's ever been a cat who deserves a second chance, it's Esme.
Please don't let her diagnosis be the reason she never gets one.
Currently in a foster home in Chattanooga, TN, and available for transport to a number of locations within the continental United States.
Please note: We are unable to adopt to residents of Massachusetts at this time.
To apply, complete our official adoption application at yourlocalfurmama.com/adoption-application.
Petfinder inquiries are not considered applications. Once your application is received, a member of our Adoptions Team will contact you within 2–3 business days.
Currently in a foster home in Chattanooga, TN, and available for transport to a number of locations within the continental United States.
Please note: We are unable to adopt to residents of Massachusetts at this time.
To apply, complete our official adoption application at yourlocalfurmama.com/adoption-application.
Petfinder inquiries are not considered applications. Once your application is received, a member of our Adoptions Team will contact you within 2–3 business days.
