Adoption information
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About Simba
Simba is a very special cat with a once in a life time story. He has been our biggest rescue in fourteen years. To understand who Simba is and the home he needs you need to know his story.
Simba was a homeless cat living amongst a colony of street cats in Auburn who became reliant on the community feeders to survive. On 26th January, the community feeder found Simba covered in blood after being brutally brutally kicked in the face by a resident. Simba was immediately transferred to our care. We immediately had him assessed at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital. This poor cat had suffered severe head trauma. He had:
- Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (dislocated jaw)
- Fractured mandibular symphyseal (lower jaw)
- Fractured hard palate (roof of mouth)
- Fractured zygomatic arch (cheek bone)
- Fractured teeth and torn gums
- Severe trauma to his right eye
He was also: anaemic, dehydrated, infested with fleas, worms and lice and the final blow was he was positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
With so many injuries and medical conditions the decision to move forward with multiple surgeries and months of treatment and recovery versus ending his suffering was an incredibly difficult decision. We had a long discussion with multiple vets and spent a bit of time with Simba. I sat down and looked him in the eyes and asked him "what do you want to do buddy?" He immediately leaned in for an ear scratch then rolled onto his side and asked for a tummy rub. After that, there was no debate. Even after someone was so cruel to him, he was still willing to trust a stranger. Everything Simba had was fixable or curative (with the exception of FIV). Project Simba was all systems go! Simba spent the weekend receiving intensive care. On Monday 29th January he underwent his first surgery. His right eye was so badly damaged it had to be removed. His jaw was popped back into the correct position and his lower jaw was wired. He had a feeding tube placed as it would be weeks before he would be able to eat on his own. Finally, he was desexed. Simba spent the next four days in hospital.
Thankfully we were also able to secure a caring and experienced foster carer for Simba post surgery. When Simba arrived at Margaret's he was a very sad, broken little boy who would not interact with humans or his surroundings. He remained curled up in his own little silent world. But in time as his health slowly improved and he began to trust her, he has gradually evolved into a sweet, affectionate and vocal little man who loves attention, conversation, pats and FOOD. While the motto is still “gently goes”, he scares easily to sudden sounds and movements. Once he has accepted you as a friend there is oodles of affection and he will constantly be at your feet! However, some areas are non negotiable! While he loves pats he does not like to be picked up and held, it makes him very anxious. Likewise, belly rubs are out.
Due to his shy nature Simba's permanent home has to be a quiet environment with no young children or noisy teenagers. He absolutely needs to be an only pet and an indoor only cat. As he has a tendency to be around your feet he may not be well suited to an elderly person in case he trips them. He needs someone who can give him love, patience and time. Being aware that he has had a traumatic past and is still healing. He will repay you with endless devotion!
Medical notes
Simba has been diagnosed with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). FIV is a feline only, slow-acting virus. It is so slow to progress that most FIV+ cats die of old age. Around 3% of the world’s feline population is infected with FIV. Though cats with FIV can typically live long, happy, and healthy lives, they often get turned away by animal shelters that have limited resources and space. Many shelters even resort to euthanizing FIV positive cats to make room for cats who are deemed more “adoptable”. Part of the problem is that people looking to adopt overlook FIV positive cats because they don’t understand the virus or are misinformed about how it will affect their lives. Here are 5 reasons to consider adopting an FIV positive cat.
1. Cats Infected With FIV Can Live Long and Healthy Lives
With proper care, an FIV+ cat can live a long and comfortable life. In fact, it’s not uncommon for cats infected with FIV to live up to 12 years! Like with any cat, the lifespan of an FIV+ cat will depend on the luck of the draw. But since the health and lifespan of a cat with FIV depends so much on maintaining a strong immune system there are some things you can do to stack the odds, including keeping your cat indoors, scheduling wellness checkups once (ideally twice) a year, and feeding a high-nutrition diet.
2. FIV+ Cats Can Live With Non-Infected Cats
One of the biggest misconceptions about FIV is that it can be easily transmitted to non-infected cats. The fact is that, other than the rare case of pregnant moms infecting their kittens, FIV is spread through deep bite wounds and scratches. Essentially, a healthy cat would need to come in contact with an infected cat’s blood in order to acquire the infection. That means that FIV+ cats can live healthily and harmoniously with non-infected cats as long as neither cat is prone to aggression.
3. They’re Just Cats
If you’re looking to adopt a cat, then you’re in luck because FIV+ cats are just like other cats! Like every other cat you’ve ever known, each FIV+ cat will have his or her own unique personality. They can be just as sweet, affectionate and playful as any other cat.
4.We Need Space to Rescue More
There are only a handful of shelters in NSW that accept FIV+ cats. Little Paws is one of the few rescue groups educating people about the disease and giving FIV+ cats a chance at adoption. By adopting one, you give us the resources and space to rescue more FIV+ cats from the streets or euthanasia.
5. You’ll Save a Life
Since FIV+ cats get euthanized at such a high rate, adopting one into your family will literally save a life.
FIV Cat Rescue Website https://www.fivcatrescue.org/
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Adoption details
Before Adoption:
Before adopting a new pet, ensure all family members understand that a pet is an emotional and financial commitment that you need to be prepared to love, house and keep safe for the next 15 to 20 years. This means premium nutrition, preventative health care, regular veterinary check-ups and keeping them inside or only having access to a cat proof area or yard. Pet insurance with accident and illness cover gives you piece of mind knowing your pet can get the veterinary care they may need and you don’t have to worry about the expense.
You can download our adoption questionnaire from our website www.littlepawsorphanrescue.com.au or you can give us a call 0419 260 380 and we can have a chat.
Next step is to organise a meet and greet. Depending on your location, we bring the feline/s to you or you can come and visit the orphanage. There is usually a 24hour wait from the meet and greet to collecting your new family member so everyone has a night to think things over and so you have a chance to get your home prepared. If all goes well and everyone is happy, the adoption paperwork is signed and you collect your new family member.
All adoptions are subject to a two week settling in period. If it turns out your new addition is not quiet the perfect match, you are welcome to return them. The adoption fee is refunded in full if the kitten/cat is returned within the two week settling in period.
All adoptions come with an adoption pack which contains all their certificates and paperwork, information on preventative health care, diet, pet insurance and potential toxins/poisons around the home.
If you would like more information please contact us!
Phone: 0419 260 380
Facebook: www.facebook.com/littlepawsorphanrescue
Website: www.littlepawsorphanrescue.com.au
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.