Valley Animal Center: Rescuing Rupert

Jun 11, 2016 | 2016 Articles, Animal Rescue Adventures

by Allix Ollivier

Allix Ollivier is an Outreach Associate at Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California. VAC shares their animal rescue adventures with us every month. Check out KRL’s interview with VAC to learn more about what they do.

Rupert was rescued from the Valley Oak SPCA in Visalia, CA in March of 2016. He was scheduled to be euthanized when Valley Animal Center was able to rescue him. Even though Rupert is safe now, he still needs a loving forever home.

Rupert

Rupert is a 5½-year–old, orange, medium-hair tabby cat who has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). When Rupert came into our shelter he was already infected. FIV is closely related to HIV, sharing many similar characteristics, such as a weakened immune system. FIV, like HIV, is contracted through bodily fluids, but cannot be transmitted to any other species. The most common way cats acquire FIV is through bites during fighting. While FIV+ cats can live long happy lives, there are precautions that need to be taken to ensure that they stay healthy.

When a cat has FIV, it is highly recommended that it remain in a single cat household, or in a house with other FIV+ cats to prevent spreading the infection to healthy cats. At the Valley Animal Center, we house all of our FIV+ cats in the FIV room. They are completely isolated from the rest of the cats. But because of this quarantine, the cats’ power dynamics are more intense.

Unfortunately for Rupert, his sweet disposition sometimes gets him bullied by some of the other cats with stronger personalities. Rupert is not the type of cat to fight back, so when the others pick on him, he doesn’t defend himself. He would be the perfect cat for a family without other cats. That way he could roam around the house to his heart’s content in peace.

Rupert is currently up for adoption, and he truly is incredible! He loves to relax and cuddle with humans. If you’re looking for a new snuggle partner, Rupert is waiting for you. As a no-kill shelter, we’ll continue to care for him until he finds his forever home. The cat adoption center is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
We are able to rescue and care for animals like Rupert thanks to the generous support of our community. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us continue our life-saving services. As always, the Valley Animal Center is grateful and appreciative of any and all donations.

Keep up with VAC’s animal rescue adventures here at KRL, and learn more about adopting from them, volunteering, and donating to VAC on their website If you advertise with KRL you can designate 10% of your ad fees to go to VAC.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to a local animal rescue.