Ugh... that is a tough one. I mean, I understand her wanting to have a pet, but if she can't afford one, that's not fair for her or the pet.

What if you suggested she volunteer at the shelter you are at, and that way she can go there and pet all the kitties and get to know them and that way she can visit and feel loved and not have to worry about the money to have one??? Do they offer a fostering program where they'd pay for food and such??

I love my FIV+ guys (I hate saying Feline AIDS, that's so negative sounding). All the FIV guys i have at the moment are so healthy and sweet, you'd never htink they were carriers of the virus. I only had one guy who really was sick with the virus, that was my Bear. He passed away one year ago today. He was such a love, and a better cat could never be found. I think being in the shelter made the FIV worse because of stress and all the other viruses coming in.

Would she be able to foster him, and not have to have the financial responsibility attached?? If he's FIV+ he may be with her a long time until a family would want to adopt him, or maybe until she's more stable in the finances then she could afford to do so herself??

It's worth a shot at either option, really.