12/29/2025
Tiger is another really special adoption story from last weekend. Tiger came to us this past Spring, after he was found living outside. He had an adorably mangled ear, as well as other signs that he'd been living rough for quite awhile, but was super affectionate and loving from the start. Unfortunately, he tested positive for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). There is a lot of misunderstanding and stigma about FIV and a lot of people believe that FIV infected cats cannot live safely with non-infected cats. This is simply not true. FIV is not transmitted through casual contact between cats. It is not spread through mutual grooming, sharing water or food, playing or even common squabbles, or through exchange of mucous when a cat has a cold. It is most commonly transmitted through fighting, when an infected cat bites another cat hard enough to puncture the flesh. FIV is therefore most common in unneutered stray or feral male cats. If cats are neutered and kept indoors, they can safely live with other household cats. There is a lot of science and research behind this information. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not know this, so cats with FIV are commonly shunned. People also tend to worry that a cat with FIV will die young, but research also shows that FIV-infected cats usually have typical lifespans. (I adopted a 10-year-old FIV+ cat and lost him 6 years later to kidney disease. He was the most loving and affectionate cat I've ever had. He played like a kitten until a few weeks before his death and was not sick any more often than any of my other cats. None of the 5 other cats he lived with have developed FIV.)
Although young, cute, and incredibly cuddly and affectionate, Tiger was overlooked for adoption time and time again. A couple of weeks ago, someone contacted us who was familiar and experienced with FIV and was interested in meeting Tiger. She adopted him the day she met him. Earlier this week, we received the following email from her: "I do have to say that Tiger, now Milo, is the sweetest, nicest, most perfect cat... His confidence helps him to settle in quickly, but he's also gentle. He lies on the floor, out of the way but near the middle, in the same pose as a big lion lying proudly, while the kids play or we do our normal routines. He likes being a companion the most, but is also curious and playful. He's a big fan of catnip. He and the dog have had a couple of calm introductions and are doing very well so far, even lying on the same bed this evening. The funniest thing he has done so far is to explore the dog's crate while she was sleeping somewhere else, and he laid down and ate a few pieces of food from her bowl.
I was a bit skeptical when you and [foster parent] kept saying how great he was with no drawbacks, but he seems to be pretty amazing... I can't believe how it already feels like he's been here much longer than 2 days. He fits right in."
There is an angel adopter for every cat. Some have to wait a long time, but they all find their place. Tiger's story is a good reminder to take a chance on a cat that you may initially overlook. We are so happy for both Tiger and his new family.
