There are cats who like other cats.There are cats who love other cats.

And then, in a class of his own, there’s Gus.

Gus is the big, giant heart of love in our FIV+ suite. Full of rough-and-tumble tomcats, Suite FIV was once the scene of frequent feline scuffles. But when Gus arrived, something amazing happened: the cats all started to get along…and even to love each other. Gus adores everybody, and everybody adores Gus. Why fight when you can nap in a happy heap of fur? It’s not unusual to see three or more cats all cuddled up to Gus in blissful sleep.

Gus may love everyone, but he has a special place in his heart for the underdog…or undercat, as the case may be. Whichever cat is the newest, most sheepish or just terrified, that’s who Gus will nurture the most. First it was shy Mona, the only female in Suite FIV; more recently it’s been little Dillinger, a gentle, nervous soul. Whoever needs a friend most, he’ll find one in Gus.

The cats aren’t alone in adoring Gus. Tabby’s Place staff and volunteers are equally under Gus’ love spell. There’s something about this extra-large, extra-furry white cat that’s simply irresistible. With just a sprinkle of grey markings on his forehead, Gus has been compared to a lightly-toasted marshmallow – and he’s every bit as sweet. His handsomeness is almost otherworldly. Factor in his king-sized purr and “never met a creature I didn’t like” nature, and everybody’s getting on the Gus bus.

Everybody, that is, except an adopter. Why is a guy like Gus still waiting for his forever family? We suspect it has something to do with three little letters: FIV.

Gus has been infected with the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). This virus disables or destroys white blood cells, and leaves infected cats more susceptible to infections. Once a cat contracts FIV, he’s infected for life and can transmit the virus if he bites another cat. It’s just about impossible to imagine Gus doing such a thing, but just to be safe, we keep him – and all of our FIV+ cats – in their own special suite.

Not to be confused with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), FIV is not a death sentence. Otherwise-healthy FIV+ cats like Gus can live long, full lives. Since FIV+ kitties like Gus are a little more prone to infection than the average cat, we are especially careful with disease control protocol in their suite. Suite FIV is outfitted with special, easy-to-clean materials, and we feed our cats a high-quality diet with the goal of strengthening their immune systems and overall health. In addition, FIV+ kitties like Gus receive extra attention from our veterinary staff.

Glorious Gus seems destined to find his forever home. But, we know that it will take a very special person to embrace his special needs. Until that happy day, you can get on the Gus bus as his sponsor. Your generous monthly donation will help us to give Gus all the medical care he needs – and all the love he deserves.