Hello!  My name is George and I am a handsome older gentleman with some special needs.  My owner couldn’t take me when she moved, but a guardian angel helped by calling Delmarva Cat Connection.  During my vet visit, we discovered that I’m FIV positive, I have entropion in both eyes, and I had been shot with a BB gun!  Fortunately, I was able to have corrective eye surgery, although my eyes will always look a little different.  Despite what I have been through, I am friendly and outgoing.  I like being held and petted, and I’m playful too.

George is currently living in a foster home.  He has had surgery for his eyes, and now that he is recovered from his surgery, he is available for adoption.  George is considered a “special needs” cat because he is not only a senior cat, but he is also FIV positive.  He will need a special forever home to live out the remainder of his life, and until he is found, he will always have a place in his foster home.  Many FIV positive cats can live a fairly normal life, though they are more susceptible to colds and infections due to their compromised immune system.  If you are interested in adopting George, please speak with a DCC representative.

**UPDATE:  George's medical expenses have been paid off, but please consider making a donation to help our other special needs cats and kittens.

**UPDATE:  George has been adopted!

 Information from www.peteducation.com

What is FIV?

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus. It is in the same family as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes AIDS).  It attacks the immune system, and as a result, the cat is unable to fight off various infections and cancers. Approximately 2.5% of cats in the United States are infected with FIV.

Retroviruses are species-specific.  This means a feline retrovirus like FIV will only infect cats; a human retrovirus such as HIV will only infect humans.   FIV infection is rare in catteries since few bite wounds would be expected in a cattery situation.

What is Entropion?

This is a condition in which the lower lid margins roll inward to the extent that hair rubs on the surface of the eyeball.  In rare cases, the upper lid can also be affected to some degree.  One or both eyes may be involved.  Most cats with entropion will squint and have a reddened, inflamed eye.  Because of the pain involved, cats will scratch at the eye with a paw, possibly doing further damage.  The only treatment for entropion is surgery.