A FEW months ago Scotch, a 13-year-old feline was down to the last of his nine lives. After being rescued from Chatsworth he was not only extremely emaciated but was also positively diagnosed with billiary and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Just like humans with HIV, he faced an uphill battle with a low immune system.
According to one of his rescuers, Amy James, Scotch had been rejected by his owners. They had on several occasions tried to dump him in plastic bags and cardboard boxes around the area, however, the resilient tomcat soon found his way homeward bound, she said.
“There were also reports that they had kicked him and even thrown a brick at him,” added the eMdloti resident.
Eventually Scotch, who was in a poor state, was found in a bush by fellow rescuer, Farhana Wabb.
Wabb collected him and rushed him to a local veterinary. Scotch stayed with James, who nursed him back to health.
“He has slowly gotten fatter and livelier, despite his blood count being slightly below average. He is highly intelligent and seems very in tune with your emotions and his surroundings. Scotch also loves cuddles and gets on very well with our dogs,” said James.
For the last few months Scotch has been staying with a foster in Durban North and is now ready to be adopted.
By sharing Scotch’s story James not only hopes to find him a loving forever home, but also aspires to raise awareness on his condition, FIV.
“People may be wary because he is FIV positive, but FIV is an extremely misunderstood phenomena. You can have other cats in the household and the risk of transmission is very low. FIV is not transferred via sharing water and food bowls, or licking. The disease can only be transmitted through deep bites, deep wounds and mating,” she explained.
What’s more, she said cats with FIV can live long and healthy lives.
- Contact Adopt with Amy via amy.james@live.co.za.
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