Put simply, Leopold is a love bug, and his greatest joy in life is loving on people. In fact, it would be fair to say that Leopold is in love with people.

It’s incredibly difficult to get a good picture of Leo. As soon as he sees you, he begins wiggling around gleefully, rubbing against every surface in sight and kneading his little paws into his bed with delight. Never mind that he’s an exceptionally handsome boy, long-legged and graced with a unique caramel-colored tabby coat; he doesn’t want a photo shoot – he wants your love and affection.

We’re thrilled that this handsome mush is finally getting all the affection he craves. Picked up by a shelter that was kind enough to hold onto Leo until his space opened in the Tabby’s Place FIV+ Suite, our tabby boy is thrilled to be here. At only about 1 year of age, he’s bubbling over with energy and excited to have a chance to play. But, even more than playtime, Leopold loves cuddle time. Naturally, we can’t help but oblige.

So how does such a remarkable boy end up in a public shelter, anyway? Amazingly, sweet Leo was picked up as a stray. We surmise that it was sometime during his stray cat days that he picked up FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus). Once a cat is infected with FIV, he carries the virus for life, and can give it to another cat via saliva transmitted through biting. Poor Leopold was most likely on the receiving end of another FIV+ cat’s teeth while a stray.

FIV disables or destroys Leo’s white blood cells, leaving him susceptible to infections. Fortunately, we have every reason to expect that Prince Leopold has a long, happy life ahead of him. With top notch medical treatment and vigilant monitoring for infection, FIV+ cats like Leo can live to a ripe old age (like our own Nickey, who reached age 20).

While sweet Leopold’s FIV+ status would likely put him on the short list for euthanasia at most public shelters, at Tabby’s Place he enjoys the sweet life in Suite FIV. Leo’s new home is designed to facilitate cleaning and a disease-free environment, and we’re especially vigilant about keeping everything sanitary in his room. In addition, Leopold and his FIV+ friends receive frequent veterinary attention. (As for frequent affection, that’s just a given at Tabby’s Place.)

While Leo’s youth and awesome personality give him hope of adoption despite his Special Needs, it’s likely that his FIV+ status means he’ll give us a good long time to love him here at Tabby’s Place. As he awaits his forever home, Leopold would love to welcome you into his family as his special sponsor. Please help us to give sweet Leo the extra care he needs and deserves.