by Lupe Gore,
Feral Paws Adopter/Board Member
Feral Paws Rescue Group in Fresno shares with us some of their animal rescue adventures every month. Check out KRL’s article about Feral Paws to learn more about them and check out their website.
Gray
Gray was pulled by Feral Paws Rescue from the CCSPCA, Fresno, a few months ago. He was an owner surrender to the shelter at three years old, and CCSPCA had intended to put him on a transport to the Bay Area. However, things didn’t go as planned. Before transport, Gray tested positive for FeLV, and the Bay Area rescue is very picky on who they pull and it has to be perfect. So, Feral Paws Rescue was asked if they would pull Grey.
What is FeLV?
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats, affecting between 2 and 3% of all cats in the United States. Infection rates are significantly higher (up to 30%) in cats that are ill or otherwise at high risk. Fortunately, the prevalence of FeLV in cats has decreased significantly in the past twenty-five years since the development of an effective vaccine and accurate testing procedures.
Cats persistently infected with FeLV serve as sources of infection for other cats. The virus is shed in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk of infected cats. Cat-to-cat transfer of the virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and (rarely) through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. FeLV does not survive long outside a cat’s body – probably less than a few hours under normal household conditions.
So, Gray remained at the Rescue instead, in his own separate kennel. We can’t be sure how Gray contracted FeLV although it is likely he was allowed outside by his previous owner. It is still possible he will test negative when he returns to the Vet after six months has passed from his first test.
I have been working at the Rescue taking care of the cats in the area where Gray lives for now. Gray is so friendly and lovable, and every time I come to work, he is right there, rubbing against his kennel, meowing and wanting my attention. He loves to be picked up and held and loves to eat his canned food as well! Gray is adoptable, to a home where he is the only cat and will remain indoors. He definitely would make someone an ideal pet!
EMAIL: fprg.org@gmail[dot]com
Phone: 559-412-7226
Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Feral Paws every other month, and we would love to have you join our KRL Pets Facebook group. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Feral Paws.
I will share for Gray. He looks the perfect candidate for someone wanting an only indoor cat! Good luck friend!