We are members of a cat rescue group "Sklonište dobrote", a registered NGO based in Croatia (our FB page). As there is no cat shelter in Croatia, we have a network of foster families and also provide food, veterinary care, our free time and, most importantly, love, to over 100 cats, until they find a forever home. We are funded mostly from public donations which barely cover a monthly veterinary bill and are already in a huge debt.

Among our residents are 9 FIV+ and FeLV+ kitties, who are the hardest to adopt, and some of them have been with us for years. These boys and girls reside in 3 foster families.

What does FIV+ and FeLV+ mean? Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are retroviruses that compromise the immune systems of cats. There is no cure for the infection but cats that carry either of the viruses can live happy lives without problems, if provided with shelter, proper food, supplements to help boost their immune system and veterinary care, as they are more fragile and susceptible to illness than other, uninfected cats.

Even though some would say it would be better to just euthanize a cat that is FIV+ or FeLV+, our rescue group does not believe a life is worth taking just because saving it costs more!!!

All the funds we gather will go directly to the rescue group account, for the overdue vet bills, food and supplements for our foster cats, and if something is left, it will be used to buy construction material to build a simple outdoor habitat for the cats at Foster family D, so they can go out and enjoy the sunshine.

Which cats need the most help?

Photos show their condition at the very beginning and their improvement in their foster homes.

Here we go:

Foster home M cat:

Maynard (FeLV+)

Maynard was found a couple of weeks ago, extremely emaciated, dehydrated, with a fever and heavy upper respiratory infections. The test showed he is FeLV+. His treatment got even more complicated due to an allergic reaction (in a form of seizures) to some types of antibiotics. The photo was taken on the day he was found. Estimated a year old.

As you can see, Maynard is getting a lot better! Still a long way to recovery but his fever is down, his eyes, throat and nose cleared up, and he did a course of antibiotics that didn't have serious side effects. We are waiting for results of his nose smear test.  

Foster home D cats:

Miran (FIV+ and FeLV+)

This big boy (over 6 kg!) has been with since last year. Found with a big wound on his neck, along with dead nerves in his chopped off tail. Has undergone surgery because of the gaping wound. Loves to eat but because of his gum problems needs special supplements and vet care.

Vigo (FIV+ and FeLV+)

Also 6 kg of pure love-Vigo plays like a kitten and eats like a wolf:) Found very anemic with stomatitis. Most of his teeth have been removed so now he is a much happier cat. Veterinary care, high quality diet and supplements are a must have for this beauty.

Riška (FIV+)

Riška has been with us for 2 years. He "belonged" to someone but that "someone" decided they did not want him after the treatments of his eye infections did not go as planned and he was diagnosed with FIV. And elderly gentleman, extremely cuddly and well mannered.  Also one of the big boys:)

Bones (FIV+)

A new additional to foster home D, found this year-a curled up ball on a sidewalk, all in pus and ticks, anemic, with tongue ulceration and malnourished. On his way to full recovery!

Bob (FeLV+)

Found last year with layers of pus, in extreme pain. As if that and leukemia weren't enough, he was also shot at-a bullet from an air riffle was taken out during surgery. After dental work and countless baths, he is on his way to a better life. He would make an ideal companion, as, even though he was abused, he loves people and always seeks extra love and attention.

Foster home B cats:

Baloo (FeLV+)

Our sweet diaper baby! Baloo has been with us since last year. He suffered a back trauma-his tail had to be amputated and his bladder drained manually, but this boy loves his foster mum and the care that she provides him. After undergoing physical therapy his bladder function still has not recovered but that doesn't stop him! He is a baby in a full sense of words and enjoys his life!

Anđelina (FeLV+)

A young, gorgeous black lady that has been with us for two years. Found with a leg trauma and has undergone a hip surgery. Now fully recovered!

Arwen (FeLV+)

This beautiful girl has been with us for two years. Also found extremely emaciated, and with her infections we weren't sure if she was going to make it. After a long recovery and dental treatment, she is now one happy cat! Look at her amazing colors!