Strays are cats that were born as pets and have lived most of their lives with human companionship. They may be out and about because they wandered away from home and got lost or they have been abandoned. In either case, they are not used to being on their own.  If they are micro chipped they can be re-united with their family. Sometimes it may take years for them to be rescued and they may need some care before being adopted.

FIV is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a slow-progressing virus that can compromise a cat’s immune system. This virus can be latent for a long period of time and progresses so slowly that it may never affect a cat. FIV cats can live long and healthy lives and can live with Non-FIV cats without spreading the virus.

FIV is a rare virus affecting an estimated 3-4% of cats, with the percentage even lower for healthy domesticated cats.

FIV is primarily transmitted through a deep, penetrating bite (FIV cat to Non-FIV cat) where the virus (in the saliva) is injected directly into the wound of the Non-FIV cat. The disease is most common in roaming, fighting males. Disease transmission risk is low between indoor cats who get along well.

FIV is not passed through the sharing of food or water dishes or toys, shared litter boxes, or mutual grooming.

When cats are neutered the likelihood of FIV transmission is decreased as the incidence of fighting among intact males is reduced. FIV tests can produce inconclusive results as it is difficult to distinguish between cats who are vaccinated against FIV and those who are infected. There is no cure for FIV, and many cats who test positive for FIV may live a life free of FIV-related diseases.

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Cerebellar Hypoplasia (cer·e·bel·lar hy·po·pla·sia) is a disorder found in cats and dogs which causes jerky movements, tremors, and generally uncoordinated motion, just like ataxic cerebral palsy in humans. A cat with CH often falls down and has trouble walking or cannot seem to walk at all. CH in cats is non-progressive, meaning it does not get worse with age.

Cerebellar Hypoplasia occurs when the cerebellum, the part of the brain which controls fine motor skills and coordination, is not completely mature at birth. Symptoms of CH can usually be seen immediately at birth.

Cerebellar Hypoplasia is most commonly caused by the kitten’s mother contracting the Panleukopenia virus while pregnant. If the mother passes on the virus during the end of pregnancy, the kittens can be born with CH. Kittens with CH are not infected with or carriers of the Panleukopenia virus, it has only stunted their cerebellum’s growth while in the womb. Cerebellar Hypoplasia can also occur if a trauma, including malnutrition, occurs to the kittens while in the womb.

Cats with Cerebellar Hypoplasia are often euthanized, as people misunderstand the condition as being painful and/or contagious. However, they have a normal life expectancy and are very affectionate, sweet and loving. They return the extra care they need with an intense love for and bond with their adoptive families.

Cats with CH:

• Are not in any pain
• Are not contagious
• Have a normal life expectancy
• Live happy, healthy lives
• Learn to adapt their abilities and compensate over time
• Can be spayed/neutered safely
• Need to be indoor-only & should never be declawed
• May require no extra care, or a great deal of extra care, depending on their severity
• Can be more prone to accident-related injuries, like chipped teeth or broken nails