Special Cats

What makes these cats special you ask? They may need a "special" diet due to a minor medical condition. They may need some "special" care due to shyness. They may need a "special" adopter who has patience with a cat that might have a few issues with some of his/her habits. All our adopters are "special" but some are "extra special", it's the "extra special" adopter who will welcome these cats into their homes and love them for who they are.

Our regular adoption fee is waived but we do ask that you make a minimum donation of $85.00 to cover spay and neuter costs.

WHAT IS FIV?

Feline immunodeficiency (FIV) has similarities to HIV in humans; it affects the immune system, compromising the body’s ability to fight off infection and cancer. But like HIV-infected humans, cats with FIV usually live many years with no sign of disease. Indoor cats, protected from parasites, fleas, ticks, scratches and bites, and the myriad of dangers that exist out of doors, are living longer and healthier lives. With proper diet and veterinary care, many FIV+ cats can, in fact, live to their full life expectancy. FIV cannot be transmitted to humans (or pet dogs, for that matter). It can be transmitted to another cat in the home only by deep bites, not by licking, grooming or shared water bowls.

Cats that are not aggressive with each other are very unlikely to pass the virus. A minority of FIV+ cats become chronically ill (unlike humans with HIV, the majority of whom - if untreated - will progress to AIDS). Superimposed infections can still be treated, as in any infection, but an overwhelmed immune system can eventually succumb to the onslaught. The alert owner of a FIV+ cat monitors its appearance and behaviour for signs of illness, and works cooperatively and proactively with the vet to optimize its health.