Thomas Tabby Syracuse, NY

I’m writing this in the hopes to find a temporary foster, forever home Or foster to adopt situation for a cat who is deserving but has some pretty big strikes against him.

Thomas currently has nowhere to go and Is being boarded at a local vet clinic trying to buy time and find a foster or adopter ASAP.

If you are interested in learning more please read the following and contact Laura via text or call at 315-415-7572. Please leave a voicemail if there is no answer.

Now to Thomas and his amazing personality...Thomas is an adorable and handsome, 10-11 month old black tabby male with gorgeous eyes. He is one of the most people-loving cats I’ve met (which is saying something!)

Thomas was rescued last week as an injured stray. His left hide lower leg and paw were injured somehow and were severely swollen and infected. He really was in excruciating pain but even then he was patient, sweet and well-mannered. And he has continued to be such for his medications and treatments. He is outgoing, fun, playful and he loves everyone he meets.

Because of this, Thomas would be an easy cat to place. But unfortunately we were all surprised when Thomas tested positive for feline aids and feline leukemia with a snap test. And for many cats this (meaning the leukemia part) is a death sentence regardless of their overall health at the time since finding homes is so hard. As a result many, many leukemia positive cats are euthanized on the spot. We couldn’t do that to Thomas and had to give him a shot at a happy life. Especially since he is in good health other than his wound and such a young cat. Thomas could live many happy years, so how could we take that chance away from him?




What Thomas’s POSITIVE STATUS MEANS


Thomas is both feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia (FeLV) positive according to the snap test we did on him when he was rescued. It would be wise for us to retest him with a more thorough blood test in 60 days to make sure he isn’t really negative (which would not be that much of a rarity to happen). Cats have false positives which is why retesting with a more thorough test in a positive cat is recommended.

IF Thomas were to test negative for leukemia on the retest then we are super lucky and can celebrate.

IF Thomas comes back as leukemia positive still then at that point we could accept that it is a fact of life for him.

Neither leukemia, aids or both are a death sentence and in an otherwise beautiful, healthy cat (other than his wound), Thomas could live many many years before being seriously effected by leukemia. Once it does start to effect him though, chances are it will be a losing battle unless newer drugs become available.


IS THOMAS CONTAGIOUS?

Firstly, both FIV and FeLV are CAT ONLY viruses, in other words they cannot spread to or effect any other species including dogs, humans, etc.

Feline aids (FIV) is spread through mating and deep bite wounds. Because of this, a negative and positive Cat, as long as they are spayed and neutered, can live together as long as they don’t get into big fights. So caution needs to be taken during introductions especially.

So bottom line is a cat with FIV does have the potential to live with a negative Cat so long as introductions are done properly to ensure the two will get along.


Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is spread through saliva and blood and is thought to be most likely spread through direct, intimate physical contact so long as the cat exposed isn’t already immune compromised. Many times when I’ve rescued 12-15 cats from a home and test them, two or three may be positive but all the others negative despite living together for prolonged periods. That being said, it simply isn’t worth the risk to House a known leukemia positive cat with a leukemia negative cat with one exception-

Leukemia vaccinations- there is now a very very reliable feline leukemia vaccine for cats. I advise that you talk to your vet about this and I can discuss it further with anyone interested in Thomas who has a negative Cat currently. I personally do not have enough knowledge or research into the vaccine to know if there would still be a risk or not, and your veterinarian can tell you what they think since it may be debatable.

And of course, a leukemia cat can absolutely be housed with another leukemia cat so long as we know they are both definitely positive for it.


WHAT THOMAS NEEDS

To live the longest and healthiest life possible Thomas needs to be indoor ONLY. He should not be exposed to new cats regardless of their test status unless they are healthy and declared as such by a veterinarian.

Keeping Thomas up to date on immunizations (rabies and distemper/FVRCP) and seen at least yearly by your vet will absolutely allow something that could be minor to be caught early enough to get under control.

Thomas needs an owner or owners who will be aware of his health and get vet care quickly if it is needed. This can make a huge difference in his overall life span.

High quality food, fresh water and simply living a happy, stress free life also make more of a difference than many people realize. Don’t underestimate plain old TLC!

An application, including character references from non-relatives, one of whom should be your veterinarian, will be required. Your donation of $65 will contribute to the cost of veterinary treatments the cat has received, such as spay/neuter, rabies shot, distemper shot, worming medication, and flea and ear mite treatment.

CNYCC is a New York State Registered Shelter/Rescue, Registration Number: RR099