Magnum made the journey to Tabby’s Place from a Virginia shelter. We’d been told that he would be coming along with another FIV+ kitty, and that their names were Luther and Magnum. A mighty name like “Magnum” made us all expect a colossal cat – perhaps the feline equivalent of a bodybuilder. So, when we saw the enormous black kitty, the one who even had strong-looking ears, we were sure this was our Magnum. As it happens, looks can be deceiving. The big guy was Luther, and our more-delicate grey cuddler is the much-awaited Magnum.

What he lacks in size, Magnum more than makes up for with an incredibly expressive face. It’s quite fitting that Magnum should have such a poetic look, as this is clearly a cat of deep emotions. While good-time guy Luther settled into Tabby’s Place immediately, Magnum pondered his new haven a bit more cautiously. This made it all the more delightful when he graced us with his trust and love – and what a love-bug he is.

Magnum may have traded his Virginia days for the life of a Yankee cat, but his Southern friends haven’t forgotten him. He retains a devoted fan club a few hundred miles under the Mason-Dixon line, and it’s easy to see why. Magnum is all about love. We’re grateful that we can give him all the nurture he needs – and the kisses he craves – at Tabby’s Place. But why is such a sweet character still in search of his own family?

It might have something to do with the fact that Magnum has FIV, or feline immunodeficiency virus. At most public shelters, this diagnosis is enough to place a cat on the “doomed” list, since many adopters are daunted by the fearsome sound of FIV.

Contrary to popular misconception, FIV is not “kitty AIDS.” Most FIV+ cats can live lives as long, healthy and happy as any other feline. FIV disables or destroys a cat’s white blood cells, leaving him more susceptible to infections than the average kitty, and once a cat is infected with FIV, he’ll have the virus for life. But, cats cannot transmit the virus to humans. In fact, the only way they can give it to other cats is via penetrating bite wounds. It’s likely that Magnum, like most of our FIV+ cats, contracted the virus in a fight with another tomcat while living outdoors.

Fortunately, Magnum has every reason to hope for a long, sweet road ahead. Keeping things clean and making sure to get an FIV+ kitty to the vet at the first sign of illness can keep him happy and healthy for a long and happy, healthy life. The FIV+ cats at Tabby’s Place are monitored carefully for any signs of sickness, and the staff is especially vigilant about disease control procedures in their suite. Magnum and his FIV+ roomies receive frequent examinations from our veterinarian, and they enjoy a high-quality diet to support their immune systems

Although FIV is not life-threatening with proper care, we understand that Magnum will need an especially patient, loving adopter. We have high hopes that his forever family will come along, as Magnum is one-of-a-kind wonderful in every way.

Until that happy day, please show this sweetie your love as his sponsor. Your monthly kindness will help give Magnum the peaceful, healthy, well-cherished life he deserves.