Elmer, our special needs lover boy! Domestic Short Hair Mix Portland, OR

It is time for our beloved long term foster to spread his wings, and find his forever home! Elmer is a volunteer favorite for all who meet him. This friendly cat loves other cats, and all people including little kids. This laid back cat is delighted to play with his toys, or just hang out with you! He craves attention and will be your constant shadow. His purr may be measured in decibels!

Elmer came to our rescue in April 2019 as a scruffy battered stray cat. He was born around 2011, had not been neutered, and had suffered some trauma that left him with several badly broken teeth. We tested him, as we do every cat, for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus. He was negative for the FeLV, but did test positive for FIV. FIV is spread among cats via deep bite wounds and sexual contact. Elmer was not neutered, so it was not overly surprising he tested positive. Elmer is now neutered, had his broken teeth removed, has been vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, treated for fleas and well loved! Elmer comes with detailed veterinary records and lab results.
Please read about FIV here: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951815 FIV is not spread to people or dogs at all, and is only spread to other cats by deep bite wounds, NOT from sharing litterboxes, food, water or grooming. Elmer LOVES other cats, and has never shown any aggression, even towards cats that hissed at him!!!!!

Elmer's story does not stop here though. His foster noticed that he had developed diarrhea, and was drinking a lot of water. After his lab work was done, he was diagnosed with diabetes and food allergies. After months of food trials and insulin injections, Elmer went into diabetic remission, and now no longer needs insulin! He is on a canned food diet, and receives an oral medication just twice weekly to keep his food allergies stable. Elmer comes with a veterinary consult to discuss long term management of his issues, which are now stable.

While Elmer is now doing GREAT, there is a chance he may come out of diabetic remission and need insulin again. He also will need more frequent veterinary visits than most cats, as he needs labwork performed at least twice yearly. Elmer is more prone to infections due to the drug he is on, and his FIV + status. He must be strictly indoor only, which is fine with him.

Elmer sounds like a lot of work, but he is such a neat cat. He is so easy to medicate, always uses the litterbox, loves all people and all other cats he has met so far. He would not enjoy being in a house with a dog however. Can you give Elmer the home and the medical care he so richly deserves? He is worth it.

To meet Elmer, please submit an application athttp://nwac-oregon.org/adoption-application/. He looks forward to hearing from you.