June Domestic Short Hair St Catharines, ON

They don't look or act sick...so how do we explain to a seemingly healthy cat that they may never find a home because they have a latent illness called feline leukemia?

June and her brother Benny, were born in a feral cat colony and spent the first few months of their lives living on the streets. Unfortunately, another cat from the same colony tested positive for Feline Leukemia (FeLV), so we had to Benny and June tested as well. To our dismay, June and Benny also tested positive, despite exhibiting no signs of illness. We were saddened to learn of their diagnosis because of the widespread misconception that feline leukemia is an automatic death sentence. This line of thinking is so unfortunate since there are many variables that determine how FeLV will affect a particular cat. Please see below for more information on Feline Leukemia. June is still doing well in foster care and is otherwise happy and healthy. June is a sweet girl that loves attention and being petted. She purrs upon finding comfort in her foster humans. She and her brother Benny are very bonded and would love to be adopted together. Given her FeLV+ status, Jasmine must live indoors AND she must be the only cat in the household or live with other FeLV+ cats (or non-feline pets). NAfA understands that it will takes a very special, caring, and compassionate person to adopt a FeLV + cat, so in lieu of our regular adoption fee, a donation of your choice is appreciated (June is spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations). If you think you might be this special home, please fill out our adoption application or email: NiagaraActionForAnimals@sympatico.ca for more information.

Adoption Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTG9YBGlVGX-3WLw09M6b61gSn5FdvbKCYXgeu4JabJMSUTQ/viewform?c=0&amp%3B%3Bw=1

What is Feline Leukemia?
FeLV is a virus that overtime supresses a cat’s immune system predisposing the cat to certain infections and disease. However, many felines who test positive for the virus can remain healthy for years after their diagnosis, especially when precautions are taken to protect their more fragile immune systems (i.e., balanced diet, regular wellness checks, vitamin supplements, reduced stress, etc.). Some cats can even fight off the virus and become immune to it, while others can be healthy carriers that never get sick themselves, but can still infect others. While the disease CAN be managed and even go into remission, a FeLV + cat may have a shorter lifespan. Regardless of the length of their life, cats with the virus can still lead happy and fulfilling lives, just like any other cat. The feline leukemia virus is contagious to other cats with transmission primarily occurring through prolonged periods of intimate moist contact (e.g., biting/fighting, grooming, sharing food/water bowls and litter boxes) between infected and susceptible cats. Consequently, it is with utmost importance that FeLV positive cats live indoors and as the only cat in the household or with other FeLV+ cats. FeLV is NOT transmittable to humans, dogs, or other non-feline pets, so infected cats can safely enjoy the companionship of other species. It takes a very special, caring, and compassionate person to adopt a FeLV+ cat, a person who can see beyond the misconceptions and commit to supporting an otherwise happy and seemingly healthy cat who is as deserving of finding a loving home as any cat.