Patch

My story

If you would like more information about Patch or are interested in adopting him, please send an email to rschumacher2@comcast.net We have been managing a small colony of community cats for past two years. We first saw Patch on a street near our home around 18 months ago, dragging a broken leg. We tried to catch him but were unsuccessful. We were surprised when he turned up at the community cat feeder several months after that, leg healed. He began showing up every few weeks, & gradually we were able to start petting him. (He wasn’t at all scared of our dogs when we took them on walks, so perhaps he could live with a friendly dog). After not showing up for a while, Patch came back in bad shape. Right away, I scooped him up. Surprisingly, he started purring and rubbing his head on me. I wish I had tried that sooner! I took him to our personal vet, who did a SNAP test to check for diseases. He was positive for both Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and FIV. My vet explained that a cat with either or both diseases could still live a good life in the right home, as either an only cat or with another positive cat. Other than this diagnosis, Patch’s health is very, very good. Patch is not just a black and white tuxedo cat with the most dapper white feet, but he has beautiful tortoiseshell markings throughout his shiny coat. He has beautiful bright green eyes, though one is cloudy from healed trauma. Since we have four indoor healthy cats of our own, and another feline leukemia-positive foster cat living in our guest bedroom, Patch has been recuperating in our master bathroom, with his own small tv to watch cat videos on, a cd player, his litter box (he used it right away and is much neater than any of our own cats!), bed, and toys. Patch is learning to play with toys - he loves balls and dangly toys. He adores his food and treats. What he likes more than anything, though, is a lap to sit on. He is the most loving cat. He likes to give you little kisses on your nose and rubs his face against your hands and face. He does soft little love bites. He makes biscuits with his dapper white feet while lying in your lap, all the while purring his little heart out. (Sometimes we call him Mr. Biscuits, too). He never wants us to leave the room, and it breaks our hearts to do so every time. Who would have thought what seemed like a tough old tomcat from the streets would be such a lover? Patch has been through so much – he needs a home with someone who will love him, care for him, and give him the attention he wants and deserves. We wish we could be that family, as we are already so very attached to him, but with our other cats, it would be fairer to Patch to go to someone who doesn’t have to isolate him and can give him access to their lap and home whenever he wants. As well as a friendly dog, Patch could, with proper introductions & your vet’s approval, live with another FIV/FeLV-positive cat. He will stay with us for as long as he needs us, but we really want more for him. We will be glad to arrange for a potential adopter to speak to our vet and get access to Patch’s labs and other records for you to understand Patch’s health and what is involved in caring for a cat with Feline Leukemia and FIV. Neither must be a death sentence, and I have spoken to people who have had cats like Patch for several years. Hopefully, regular vet care while following the vet’s suggestions, the right food, and lots of love and companionship, will keep Patch with his new family for a very long time. We are also glad to transport Patch several states away for the best situation and chance for a good life for him. Won’t you give this very, very good boy and determined survivor a chance? We know you will find him appealing and as satisfying a companion as we have. This animal posted is not under the care, custody, or control of Friends For Life and shall at no time be considered the property of Friends For Life. Friends For Life makes no claims to have evaluated the behavior or medical status of the animal posted. Friends For Life shall not incur any liability for any injury or damages to any person or property caused in the future by this animal, nor from any causes of action, claim or demand that may arise as a result of such injury or damage. This listing is strictly in the spirit of our commitment that providing support to the independent rescuer community is a valuable step on the path to a No Kill Houston. We know networking works and to the extent that we can provide a platform for animals to be seen and placed, that is our intention.

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