Interested in adopting Walt Whitman?
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Meet Walt Whitman
Hello there! My name is Walt Whitman, although I’ve also been known as Whitey. I’m a very loving chap and will show my humans how much I appreciate them with rubs, purrs, and headbutts galore. I fancy myself a lap cat at times but also just like to lounge nearby. I get along well with other cats as long as we also have space for “me time” and there is plenty of human affection to go around. In the FOHA cattery, you’ll often find me relaxing on the couch or another comfy blanket – usually with my bud Gingerbread nearby. I’ll happily greet visitors and want to be friends with everyone. If you ask me, I’m the purrfect package!
If you are curious about my history, I made my way to Virginia from Florida when my caregiver was evacuating from Hurricane Milton. See, he rescued me from a feral cat colony that he was taking care of. I was injured and needed some help, so to the vet I went and I have been loving the indoor life since then. Turns out that I’m allergic to pesky fleas. Between some scarring related to that and this thing called FIV (which is NOT a big deal), I may look a bit rough but I promise that I’m worth it. I made my way to FOHA to help find my forever family – maybe that’s you!
Walt Whitman's Medical Information
I have FIV, that's what I have but it is NOT who I AM! Please don't let that scare you away. I want you to know that FIV+ cats can and DO live long, healthy, and normal lives when given the chance. In fact, statistically, most FIV cats live as long as their indoor counterparts (13-18 years), and much longer than cats that live outdoors (3-8 years). There are many reported cases where FIV+ cats live well into old age without ever showing any symptoms. It's important to note that dogs, other pets, and humans are absolutely immune to FIV. The virus itself is astonishingly frail and can live outside of the body for only a few seconds. The virus is also extremely slow-acting, so it is unlikely to pose any threat to other cats in the household. I know that adopting an FIV+ cat may seem like a big responsibility, but I promise that I am worth it. I am a sweet and loving kitty who just wants a warm and safe place to call home. If you are willing to give me a chance, I promise to bring you years of joy and companionship. So please come and meet me, and see for yourself that FIV+ cats are just as wonderful and deserving of love as any other cat. Read more about FIV at https://www.fivcats.com/FIV/fiv_common_myths.html and learn more about FIV+ cats with FOHA’s very own Scooter on Pet Info Cafe - https://youtu.be/F85-uJDeaJU?si=pgTVtFQ9t6oNhN8p.
