Adoption information
I've been adopted!
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On Hold
PetRescue ID
820857
Location
Bolton Point, NSW
About Gandalf
Gandalf was found on the streets with a large abscess under his neck. He wasn’t able to be caught straight away, and by the time he was, the abscess had ruptured and was putrifying. He was rushed to the vet and his wound was cleaned and he began the healing process both physically and in his soul.
We weren’t sure what he was going to be like, maybe feral, but it turns out he is a straight up Smoochy lap cat that just wants love, love, love! We think he was originally a house cat but was most likely dumped as he was found in an area notorious for pet dumpings.
He has fallen madly in love with his foster mum but unfortunately it cannot be a long term placement for him. He loves sitting on her lap or next to her during the day while she is working from home, snuggling under the blankets on cold nights or having a moment to himself lying in the window sun.
He is FIV positive after living the hard street life and so needs to be preferably in a single cat household, or a household where the other cats have been vaccinated against FIV or are FIV positive themselves. He must be an indoor cat or in an enclosed cat run/on a leash.
FIV is not a death sentence and cats can live very happily and healthily for years and years. They often take longer to heal after illness or injury, but Gandalf healed incredibly quickly after his injury so we think his FIV has not progressed too far. FIV cannot be passed to humans or other animal species. He is otherwise a very healthy boy who loves his food and is litter trained. He is very clean.
He has been bathed but long term time spent under cars and houses has stained his white fur a bit yellow and black in some areas, but once his current coat grows out, it should grow back beautiful and white! He also has some old scars but we think it gives him character.
He is usually a little scared at first, but given a little time he will become a fast friend with you! He has been tolerating the carers small dogs but will give them a warning swipe if they get too in his face. He has over time become friends with one of the little dogs who has appreciated his need for space and they will now nap together.
The vet isn’t too sure of his age but think between 5-10 years old, so he has plenty of life left in him! If you think you can give him the forever indoor home he deserves, please send us a message and we can walk you through the process for adoption.
Gandalf is desexed, vaccinated, flea treated and microchipped.
Medical notes
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is known to be carried by approximately 19.5% of cats in Australia, but it’s really not as serious as it sounds. It’s less-severe than HIV in humans. It’s definitely not transmissible to people. And new research suggests it is far less transmissible between cats than previously thought.
The virus affects the immune system, leaving cats vulnerable to infections and disease. If they get injured or ill, they may take longer to recover than most cats and could need a little extra TLC. But they generally don’t require on-going medication or much additional care.
An FIV cat that’s kept indoors (or with access to a cat run), fed a good quality diet and taken to the vet at least once a year for check-ups, may enjoy a normal life-span of over 15 years!
Here are the need to know facts about FIV
FIV is not transmissible to humans. Or other species for that matter (so the dog is safe!).
FIV is spread mainly through deep bite wounds while fighting with other cats (a light nip or a surface scratch won’t transmit the disease). It can also be transmitted by a mother cat to her kittens across the placenta or through her milk.
Pets in the same household cannot transmit the disease to each other, except by mating or by deep bite wounds (both of which are highly unlikely amongst desexed cats, even amongst cats that don’t get along well). So grooming and sharing food is not a problem.
FIV positive and FIV negative cats can live together safely if they are a bonded pair, as they are extremely unlikely to fight to the degree required to transmit the disease.
Outdoor cats are at the highest risk of disease, especially if they fight with other cats. So desexing is super important in stopping the spread of FIV, as desexed cats don’t tend to roam and fight.
Like humans, cats can also carry FIV without having AIDS.
Cats with FIV can live long, healthy and happy lives. Which means they can most certainly shower you with snuggles and enrich your life with adorable antics.
How to protect your cat from FIV
Talk to your vet about vaccinating your cat against FIV.
Keep your cat indoors or in a cat enclosure to limit their exposure to other cats.
Desex your cat, to decrease the chance of them roaming and fighting with other cats.
When introducing a new cat to your existing cat, test the new cat for FIV first.
How do you know if your cat has FIV?
Most owners don’t know their cat is carrying the disease. The symptoms from contracting FIV are very mild, and once the cat’s immune system recovers there are no symptoms.
Owners generally become aware that their cat is a carrier when they get sick. Cats with FIV take longer to recover from illnesses such as cat flu or an abscess. If you are an owner of a cat with FIV, you’ll just need to follow a few simple care tips
Caring for an FIV-positive cat
It is strongly recommended that FIV positive cats spend their life indoors to protect other cats from the risk of transmission, but also to protect them from the risk of infection or other diseases which might compromise their immune system.
Feed your cat a good quality diet, and steer clear of raw meat, raw eggs and unpasteurised milk.
Just like any cat, regular parasite control is important (for intestinal worms, fleas, ticks and heartworm).
Ensure your cat’s vaccinations are kept up to date.
Twice-yearly veterinary health checks are recommended, and quick action is required should your cat seem unwell, so that your vet can get on top of it ASAP.
There are thousands of loving cats available for adoption right now. Cats that are so deserving of a family to call their very own. And some of these cats just happen to be FIV-positive.
Why not consider opening your heart and your home to an FIV-positive cat. It’s all the more rewarding, knowing that you have given a very special rescue cat what all homeless pets dream of - a cosy home to call their own and a love that will last a lifetime.
Watch videos of Gandalf
Adoption details
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This pet has been adopted and found love with its new family.
The rescue group has removed this pet and it is no longer available for adoption.
The rescue group is no longer taking adoption applications for this pet.