Special Need: FIV+

As you look at Charlie's photos, you are probably thinking that he does not look particularly friendly. And you'd be right. Charlie is a feral cat (feral describes a domestic cat that has reverted to its wild status) and he does not trust nor like humans one bit. Tabby's Place has a policy of not knowingly accepting feral cats (because they do not often adapt to being kept indoors).

But Charlie was rescued by a kind samaritan who couldn't keep him because he was FIV+ (and she had other cats). And when Charlie arrived at Tabby's Place he was so petrified that he was actually well-behaved for his intake exam. So, now Charlie is ours and will receive the same care as our other FIV+ residents.

Cats that are FIV+ have been infected with the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). This virus disables or destroys the white blood cells, and leaves the cat susceptible to infections. Once a cat is infected with FIV, the cat is infected for life and can transmit the virus if he or she bites another cat.

Our FIV+ cats have their own suite and we are extra-careful about disease control procedures in their suite. In addition, they are fed a higher-quality (and more expensive) diet than our other cats, in hopes of boosting their immune systems. We love Charlie, but he has two big strikes working against his chances of being adopted: he is FIV+ and he is feral. We have started working with Charlie and have now gotten to the point where we can pet him if we approach him very, very slowly. But he has a long way to go and he will require a very special adopter. Please sponsor Charlie and help us to give him the care he deserves.