Pet Adoption Fees to Help Victims of Salon Shooting

Editor’s Note:  The Cat of the Week feature is written and submitted by Gail Bowers, a volunteer at the Seal Beach Animal Care Center where the animals are available for adoption. The shelter is at 1700 Adolfo Lopez Drive, Seal Beach, (562) 430-4993.

In honor of the victims of the Salon Meritage tragedy, and in support of the community we serve, the Seal Beach Animal Care Center will donate 20% of all revenue from adoption fees during the month of November, 2011 to the Seal Beach Victims Fund. Please come meet our wonderful cats and dogs at 1700 Adolfo Lopez Drive.

Jenna, Daiquiri, Dexter, Valentino and Sugar Daddy all have something in common.  They are all friendly, affectionate cats who get along well with other cats and with people.  They are also all FIV+.  

What does this mean?  It means they have the feline immuno-deficiency virus, which is a slow acting virus that affects the immune system over a period of time. It is similar to HIV in humans but is a cat-only condition, and there is no particular disease associated with it, such as AIDS in humans.  Most FIV+ cats live long, healthy lives with no signs of illness.  If they were not tested for FIV, we wouldn't even know they had it. 

Despite rumors to the contrary, it is not contagious and cannot be passed from cat to cat by sharing food or water bowls or litter boxes.  It is primarily spread through blood when an infected cat bites another cat and the wound is deep and penetrating.  This rarely happens except in free-roaming unneutered male cats. 

Because cats who are FIV+ have a compromised immune system they should be kept indoors to minimize their exposure to pathogens and stress.  Cats who are FIV+ can live in homes where there are other cats who are not FIV+ despite misconceptions and rumors you may have heard from others. They need a well balanced diet and should have routine vet care.  Most will live to be happy, healthy seniors. 

Jenna is a pretty Calico who is only 2-3 years-old.  She came to us with one kitten who was FIV negative and was quickly adopted.  She is a very sweet and affectionate girl who would love her own home with or without other cats.  She has no health issues except that she has become a bit overweight.

Daiquiri is 4-5 years-old.  We know nothing about her past, but, at the present, she a a friendly affectionate girl who gets along well with other cats and with people.  She has no health issues.

Dexter came to us with no information, but he was already neutered and had a clipped ear. He may have been neutered as part of a Trap, Neuter, Return program, but he is certainly not a feral cat. On the contrary, he is a friendly boy who likes people and other cats. He will climb right up and cuddle on your shoulder! He is about 6-8 years old and does have some health issues that are being treated.  

Valentino is about 8-9 years old.   He had us fooled because he looked like trouble when he arrived. He was a beat up tomcat, who had obviously had a fight or two. He needed to be neutered, needed a wound cleaned and had to have some broken teeth removed. But within a short period of time, this tough tom turned into a marshmallow.  He remains a sweet and talkative guy and has no health issues at this time.

Sugar Daddy is about 8 years old and just loves belly rubs.  He came to us looking as if he had led a tough life on the street. He was missing some teeth, had an abscess and some scabs from fighting. Our vets took care of all of his medical issues, and he now looks as good as new.  He is one of the most affectionate and friendly cats at the care center. He loves to follow the volunteers around and rub his face on their legs. He also gets along just fine with other cats.  He has no health issues.