Funny Face is the quintessential orange cat. He’s goofy, energetic, and never stops purring, even when he tries to give you a playful nip. As his name suggests, he has a perpetual dazed expression on his face that makes him look as if he’s always lost in thought, and maybe he is. With all these little quirks, we expected Funny Face to only last a few days in our care, as many adopters adore cats with unique characteristics. However, Funny Face had one quirk that prevented him from finding his forever home: he’s FeLV positive.
FeLV, or feline leukemia virus, impacts roughly 3% of cats in the United States, and is an incurable disease that suppresses a cat’s immune system and impairs their ability to fight off viral infections and bacteria. FeLV kitties can develop life-threatening illnesses such as anemia or lymphoma. FeLV spreads from feline to feline mainly through bites that break skin, however it can also be spread by various transmissions of saliva, blood, and feces to other cats. FeLV cannot be transmitted to other animals or humans.
With treatment and care, FeLV+ cats can have relatively normal lives, and be wonderful companion kitties. However, due to stigmas and misinformation, FeLV+ kitties struggle to find homes and often stay in shelters for long periods of time. Many believe that FeLV+ cats can’t live or interact with cats that do not have the virus. In reality, FeLV negative kitties just need to be vaccinated, and they can life happily with their FeLV+ friends! The most important component of care for a FeLV+ kitty is to keep them indoors and safe from potential exposure to illness.
Last week, an incredible individual looked beyond the stigmas and negativity surrounding FeLV and gave Funny Face the loving home he deserves. It’s crucial to recognize that FeLV isn’t a death sentence for cats, it just requires a little extra caution and care!
