Sourdough

My story

Sourdough Female black with white DSH Estimated age: 1 year Sourdough is a sweet talkative girl who loves attention. She's a quirky little girl who likes playing and getting pets. Sourdough has Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). FeLV is a complicated virus that affects every cat differently. It is passed from cat to cat through contact of infectious bodily fluid or from mother to kittens. It has historically been considered a death sentence and cats were euthanized if they tested positive. Amazing organizations and veterinarians (such as West Michigan's own Dr. Jen's Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s Sanctuary!) have fought tirelessly for these cats and for medical advances in testing and care to make people realize how worthy these cats are for a chance. Unfortunately, even those in the veterinary world are still are not comfortable with FeLV+ cats and see it as a death sentence. This is no one's fault and is the result of a lack of education and the ideas that have been cementated into society that these cats should be euthanized and that there is no possibility of them having a quality of life. Although FeLV CAN be a devastating virus, we now know that every cat responds differently and depending on multiple (and not fully understood) variables, 30-40% cats will have a regressive infection. There is not prolonged viral replications and these cats are primarily asymptomatic. Regressive infections can change to progressive infections, but the virus plays by its own rules so each cat has a unique disease course. This means that infected cats can live 20 years old or 2 years and sadly in 30-40% of cases they have progressive infections with very short life expectancy especially in kittens who are infected. Owning ANY animal is a gamble and health concerns can show up at any age with some pets living very short lives and some living 15+ years. FeLV+ cats do have more unpredictability because they have a compromised immune system, but this does not mean they do not deserve a chance to live their life however long that might be to the absolute fullest in a loving home. You can read more about FeLV at - https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-leukemia-virus - https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951934 - https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-leukemia-virus-disease-complex What this means for you as an adopter: - You must have the ability to provide a stress-free household with no other cats or only with other FeLV+ cats - Have a strong relationship with a veterinarian who is familiar with treating FeLV+ cats - Be able to provide prompt medical care as little issues become big issues in these immune compromised cats if left unchecked - Be committed to regular veterinary visits with preventative care to ensure they are happy and healthy - Have an open mind and heart knowing that you will have a new best friend who you will be able to give the best life to whether that be a shorter or hopefully longer life Thank you for still reading if you've gotten this far. No adoption should be an impulse decision, but we are especially relying on those who are willing to put in the effort when looking to adopt a kitty with special needs! ❤️ Backstory: Sourdough and another cat, Rye, were abandoned outside last fall when their owner moved. They were left outside during the cold winter months, but a caring neighbor helped them out the best that they could. They left their little shed open so they could use it for shelter and they got donated cat food from the shelter to feed them. Fast forward to May and the couple were taking a bike ride when they saw a free microchip and vaccine clinic that Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry was holding a block away and they stopped. They explained the situation and said that Sourdough had been sick with eye and nasal discharge and wondering if anyone could help. One of Fig and Friends' fosters was helping out at the clinic and said she would come over and take a look. At first, the caregivers couldn't find her in her normal area and were really concerned that she may have passed away but then they spotted her sitting on the porch of her old home. They were able to get both Sourdough and Rye and bring them home to foster. Sourdough had an upper respiratory infection called calicivirus which causes severe eye discharge and inflammatio, respiratory symptoms, and painful mouth ulcers. She was also tested for FIV/FeLV and unfortunately tested positive for FeLV. With supportive care, she quickly recovered from calicivirus and once she was healthy enough, she was spayed. Location: Sourdough is currently in foster Medical: All cats are spayed/neutered, current on age approriate vaccines (rabies and distemper), microchipped, given flea/tick prevention and dewormer, and any other veterinary care that is needed prior to adoption. If you are interested in adopting, fill out an application online at www.figandfriendspetrescue.org/adopt

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Sourdough, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.