Scruff is a retired street cat. His body tells the story of his life. His ears are forever folded down from frequent, untreated ear infections earlier in life, although the ears are fine now. He has scars from being bullied by other cats. He lost some of his feline friends to the coyotes out in the woods. When he came to us, he had just five teeth left, all of which needed to be removed. Although his blood work showed that he was healthy, he did test positive for FIV, a feline virus frequently found in street cats. He wasn't fixed yet, so we had him neutered.

Scruff is now 12 years old and spent the last several years of life in the warm safety an indoor home with his owner. Sadly, his owner's illness meant that he had to move into a nursing home, leaving behind his beloved cats, Scruff, and, Scooter, who is also available for adoption. These cats lived in an empty home, waiting for their owner to return, while being checked on by a family member. Sadly, their owner passed away around Christmas, and the cats came to our rescue. Tyson's Place Animal Rescue has a mission of assisting terminally ill people with finding new families for their pets.

We immediately brought Scruff to our vet where he received a full check up, rabies and distemper vaccinations, and full blood work. He was also neutered and had a dental where his remaining teeth were in poor condition and removed. Although Scruff has FIV, this doesn't impact him and he can live a good, long life with normal veterinary care. Scruff lives with his sister, Scooter, who doesn't have FIV. FIV is spread through mating (Scruff is fixed) or deep bite wounds (Scruff is good with other animals and has no teeth) so there is no way for him to share this illness with other cats.

Scruff's family described him as a friendly cat, good with family and visitors. He is so friendly in fact, he allowed his foster mom to give him a bath and brushing! He is affectionate and playful and lived successfully with a large dog. He loves string toys and to be held and kissed on the head. He has excellent litter box habits.

Here is what his foster mom says about him: Scruff likes it warm and he does sleep a lot. He is good with being held. I have only played a little with him, and he was good with it. He is very sweet. He likes gentle head bumps. He will let you know when he is hungry!

This guy has been through a lot and deserves to live his golden years safe and loved, indoors. Imagine the stories he could tell if he could talk to us! If you have it in your heart to give a retired street cat a place to call home, please contact us at tysonsplacerescue@gmail.com or tysonsplacerescue.org