Theodore was left to fend for himself after his former family separated, but three days later, a woman named Marissa came to his rescue. No one was looking after the abandoned cat until a message shared through a work group connected Marissa with his situation.
When she finally brought Theodore to safety, she discovered a cat who wanted nothing more than to be close to someone. Despite everything he had been through, Theodore was gentle, affectionate, and eager to cuddle, and their friendship became incredibly special to Marissa.
Three Days Alone Before Someone Came to Help
According to Marissa, Theodore had been abandoned after his former family went through a divorce. He was released and left on his own, with no familiar home or person to return to. Marissa learned about him through a group message connected to her work. After three days, she was able to go out and get him, ending his time alone and beginning the process of caring for him.
Once Theodore was safe, Marissa took him to a veterinarian to check his health. The appointment revealed that he had feline immunodeficiency virus, commonly called FIV, a condition that meant his future care would require some extra attention.
Marissa believes Theodore may have contracted the virus through a bite, since he has a scar near his face. However, the exact circumstances of his infection aren’t known. His veterinary visit also helped Marissa better understand another feature that makes Theodore stand out: his unusually folded ears.
His Folded Ears Have an Unexpected Explanation
Theodore’s ears have been folded for as long as Marissa has known him. Their shape might make someone think he is a Scottish Fold, but Marissa suspects there may be another explanation.
Theodore also has a condition involving Demodex mites, which can affect the skin and ears. Marissa believes damage associated with those mites may have contributed to the unusual shape of his ear cartilage, although his breed and the precise cause of the folds haven’t been confirmed. Fortunately, Theodore can hear normally. Marissa explained that medication helps control the inflammation in his ears and keeps him comfortable.
Theodore also has asthma, adding another consideration to his daily care. Still, Marissa describes him as otherwise healthy and has learned how important it is to stay attentive to his needs.
A Special Cat Who Needs a Little Extra Care
Learning that Theodore had FIV initially meant understanding what his diagnosis would involve. Marissa discovered that cats with FIV can continue enjoying good lives with appropriate veterinary attention and management. Because FIV affects the immune system, Theodore needs careful monitoring for signs of illness. Marissa knows that staying proactive about his health is especially important, since infections may pose greater risks for him.
His medical needs are part of his life, but they aren’t the only things that define him. At home, Theodore has a personality that Marissa describes as exceptionally sweet. He doesn’t scratch, hiss, or bite at her, she says. Instead, he prefers spending his time close to the person who rescued him, whether that means cuddling beside her or simply watching what she’s doing.
Theodore Becomes His Rescuer’s Constant Companion
Theodore doesn’t need Marissa’s attention every second, but he likes knowing she’s nearby. If she’s sitting down, he often comes over for cuddles, making himself comfortable beside her.
When Marissa is folding laundry on the floor, Theodore may choose a spot on the bed where he can watch her work. He seems perfectly content simply sharing the same room. Marissa has also noticed how Theodore responds to her moods. When she’s crying, she says he sometimes comes over and lies against her face, allowing her to hold him close.
She describes their connection as one where she can often understand what he wants just by looking at him. Their everyday routines have brought them closer, and Theodore has become a steady presence in her life.
Marissa doesn’t know whether Theodore received much affection before they met, but she’s grateful that their paths crossed. The cat who once spent three days on his own now has someone looking after his health, sharing his days, and welcoming every cuddle. For Marissa, Theodore is much more than the cat she rescued. As she puts it, he’s her best friend.
This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartCats team.