Buddy was picked up as a stray and taken to a shelter where he was scheduled for euthanasia (like most shelters, they were not able to house FIV+ cats for any length of time).But Buddy was such a sweet cat that a volunteer was desperate to save him.

So, she took Buddy home where she had to confine him to a small room in her house (she had other, FIV- cats in the house).She called us, hoping that we could accept Buddy, since he was miserable spending so much time alone.Although that was over a year ago, our FIV Suite was already full and there was a rather long waiting list.Although we estimated the wait at a year, she asked us to add Buddy to the list, so that there was some hope of a better life for him.

Sure enough, about a year after we added Buddy to the list, a slot opened up and we were are able to accept him.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.Buddy also has some eye problems that the opthalmologist has not yet been able to pin down.He believes that the problems are minor and probably due to his compromised immune system.We are starting with a conservative approach and treating him with eye drops and antibiotics.

One of his eyes has cleared up, so we are hopeful that the problems are, indeed, minor and will clear up completely and not recur.Buddy is cute as a button (as you can see from the photos) and is a very sweet cat.So, we are hopeful that he will be adopted eventually.

But, realistically, we know that adopting out an FIV+ cat is a difficult proposition.Please sponsor Buddy and help us to care for him as he deserves.