An animal charity that has a shelter in Heydon has had an influx of cats with feline immunodeficiency virus – who need to be rescued by rural households away from other cats.
Cats with FIV are often referred to as farm cats because of their want or need to live with space and freedom, away from other cats and sometimes humans – and Wood Green, The Animals Charity, who have a centre in Heydon’s Chishill Road, are asking those who have the space to get in touch.
FIV is a species-specific viral infection, and although cats with FIV can live a perfectly normal happy life, the infection can be transmitted to other cats.
A Wood Green spokeswoman said: “It is key that these felines are matched with the right owner and the right environment for both their own happiness, and the wellbeing of other cats.
“One cat, Spartacus, had to be rehomed to a rural location where he was unlikely to meet another cat. He is loving his new life and ruling the roost.
He spends time with the sheep who clearly love him as much as he loves them. He is groomed every day by the owner’s two little daughters who adore him and he gets to spend as much time as he wants patrolling the area, hunting and posing for photos. A great result for this boy and the perfect home for an FIV-positive cat.
“Handsome Max is still looking for his forever home where there are no other cats around.
“Although he needs a rural home due to being FIV-positive, Max is very affectionate and loves being around people as much as he loves being in the great outdoors – he’s looking for the best of both worlds – and food, lots of food!
“Beautiful Buddy came to us as a stray, handed in to our Godmanchester Centre. FIV-positive, Buddy is also looking for a rural home or an enclosed garden.
“This gentle giant would really benefit from having the space to roam and explore, but loves nothing more than to cuddle up with his human.”
All you need to give a farm cat is regular food, somewhere warm and dry to sleep, human contact if they seek it and veterinary attention if it’s needed.
Wood Green currently have numerous FIV-positive cats looking for their forever home. All of the cats are neutered, microchipped and treated for fleas and worms before being offered for rehoming – with the Wood Green team available for advice for the rest of your cat’s life.
If you would like further information on the FIV virus, or you can offer a safe place for one of our farm cats waiting for their forever home visit woodgreen.org.uk or call 0300 303 9333.
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