How a wobbly, deaf and FIV+ cat defeated all odds

PetRescue’s mission has always been to ensure that every pet in Australia finds a wonderful home with nurturing, affectionate humans who love them for who they are. Through our Adoptables program, we strive to make this mission a reality for special needs pets who sometimes have to wait longer to find their perfect family.

One such story is that of William John Grayson.

Cute as a button, isn’t he? 

William, or Will, didn’t always have the easiest life. Deaf and FIV+ Will suffered a mild head injury in his past life, which left him with a permanent brain condition that makes him a bit wobbly at times. But that didn’t stop him from being happiest, goofiest kitty ‘round town!

After spending six months in the care of his rescue organisation, Dreamer’s Hen Rescue, an angel flew into Will’s life in the form of his adopter, Jessica, who loves him unconditionally, despite his shortcomings. 

When Will finally got adopted, our hearts collectively melted like ice cream on a sunny day. This is one of the stories that remind us why we do what we do and the hope we have for all pets in Australia looking for a home. 

Jessica says that Will’s deafness or FIV+ diagnosis hasn’t been a challenge for her, and since he doesn’t know any different, Will is blissfully unaware. 

“We still talk to him which is ridiculous given he can’t hear us, but it is pretty hard to stop yourself doing it. I sign a few things to him like “good boy” and “are you hungry” – that one he obviously picked up pretty quickly(!!!) and his response is to spin around madly without taking his eyes off you (which often results in him falling over).  

“The FIV I haven’t noticed at all.”

Jessica found Will when she was looking for a special needs pet to love, after her previous pet, Rocco passed away. The moment she saw Will’s profile on PetRescue, she was hooked, “He looked like such a friendly and contented cat, I just wanted to cuddle with him.” 

Will is now living his best life and being showered with love by his new fam jam. 

“When you care for anyone, be it another person, a child, or an animal – ultimately you are doing the best you can to meet their needs – whatever they might be. Animals can’t tell you what’s wrong in the same way a human can, so you need a little more patience perhaps, but the reward is so completely worth it,” said Jessica.

Although Will is a bit short on hearing, he makes up for it with all the smooching and affection that he showers his humans with, “I discovered that he likes to ‘kiss’ with his mouth open… a lot. The more he loves you, the more kisses you get, and the longer this can go on for. It is definitely not for everyone! But it is definitely his way of showing you who he likes.”

Will’s amazing life with Jessica is a testimony to the fact that all pets, even if they’re a bit ~wobbly~ around the edges, have nothing but absolute love for their human family. Cats with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus often find it harder to get adopted, however, adopters like Jessica are leading the way with acts of kindness, and showing us even special pets like Will can fill your home with unparalleled joy.

“He is so affectionate and loving he makes me miss him when I’m not with him. My housemate and I are constantly sharing photos of him (often at his expense because he’s done something derpy),” said Jessica.

“He’s brought a lot of laughter into the house. He helps me to relax when I get home, and to leave the pressures of work outside the house.”

Ready to be the purrfect human for a special cat like Will? Start your search today!