NAWS Humane Society Cat Adoption Event: A Pair Left Behind
Last month, the NAWS Humane Society of Illinois organized a cat adoption event. While many kittens found new homes, two little ones—Pixie and Sprout—were still waiting at the end of the day.
It can be tough to pinpoint why some animals are overlooked during adoption events. Unfortunately, in this case, the staff and volunteers at the humane society were aware of the reason. “Sprout and Pixie are FIV+ kittens,” noted Fran Grzesik, the director, on TikTok. “This makes them very easy to overlook, often not even getting a second glance.”
Because Pixie and Sprout are a bit unique, many people miss out on their delightful personalities. Sprout, for instance, is beloved by the volunteers for being one of the most playful kittens. He’s always eager to pounce on toys, whether it’s chasing a ball or investigating a crinkly bag. According to NAWS, he’s always on the move—or, at times, trailing right behind you like a loyal shadow.
In contrast, Pixie is known for her affectionate nature. She loves to curl up on anyone’s lap and enjoy some cuddles. “When she’s not showing off her acrobatics, she’s snuggling up for some well-earned cuddles,” the humane society shared. Essentially, she offers the perfect blend of playful energy and gentle affection.
Some might hesitate to adopt a cat with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), but the reality isn’t as daunting as it sounds. While there is no cure for FIV, cats with this condition can have lifespans similar to healthy cats, as noted by the Cornell Feline Health Center. Adopting an FIV+ cat simply requires a few lifestyle considerations, like regular vet check-ups to monitor for any infections and keeping FIV+ cats indoors to minimize risks.
Given that this virus spreads mainly through bite wounds, it’s advisable to carefully introduce any new household members and ensure all pets are spayed or neutered to avoid potential conflicts.
As both Sprout and Pixie are social animals, they would thrive in homes with other cats, regardless of whether they are adopted together or separately. Ultimately, all these kittens want is a loving home. “These kittens shouldn’t have to wait for their forever home just because of their diagnosis,” Grzesik expressed on TikTok. “They don’t recognize that they’re different. All they desire is love.”
If you’re interested in adopting Sprout or Pixie, further information can be found on the NAWS Humane Society of Illinois’ adoption page.





