Rescued from the streets but struggling to find a home

The Feline Rescue Association rescues the majority of their cats & kittens from the streets where they have been abandoned, neglected and abused. Since these cats have spent various amounts of time as “Street Kitties” they often require special medical care for injuries or illness. While most injuries are treatable and most illnesses are curable there are a few that are not. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (“FIV”) is one.

The diagnosis of FIV is not horrible but the stigma attached to it is. Once people hear that a cat is FIV positive they cringe at the thought of having a “sick cat” and the possibility of it spreading to themselves and other pets in their care. The truth is most cats with FIV live long, healthy lives, it cannot be spread to humans and the chance of it spreading to another altered cat, is very small.

FIV is most commonly spread through a deep bite wound when unneutered tomcats fight for territory and/or food on the streets. These types of fights are not likely to occur between altered cats living in a home. FIV cannot be spread through sharing litter boxes, food/water or by touch. FIV positive cats can coexist with non-positive cats without spreading the virus. Unfortunately, even after providing people with the facts about FIV, they still prefer to adopt a cat without the virus which means some really fantastic cats are overlooked.

The Feline Rescue Association currently has two FIV positive cats available for adoption. Both have stellar personalities and love to be around people.

Gordon (FIV+)
Gordon is one of the sweetest, most affectionate cats you will ever meet. He loves to be held, sit in your lap and is an all around snuggly guy. Gordon is very gentle and loves everyone he meets. This poor guy is constantly overlooked. Won’t you give him a second chance?

Tyson (FIV+)
Tyson is a very outgoing fellow who craves attention. He loves to be held and purrs like crazy when you pet him. Tyson is very tolerant and easy-going. If you’re looking for a cat that wants lots of love and affection then look no further.

To fill out an adoption application for either (or both) of these cats, please visit www.baltimorecats.org

For more information on FIV, please visit:

http://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/petcare/cats_fiv.cfm