Arthur is a very sweet boy who just wants to be loved! He is very affectionate and likes to be held just like a baby. He is also very well behaved and will be the first to greet you when you return home! When he looks at you with those big green eyes it is like he wants to express his delight in seeing you.

Arthur is also very laid back and can go with the flow - if you want to play he will play, if you want to relax he'll relax with you, What a great companion!

Arthur is listing on our website as a courtesy listing for his foster mom. If you are interested in adopting Arthur, or if you simply want more information about him, please contact Christine directly at thesteamymug@yahoo.com

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Arthur tested positive for FIV. What does this mean? We have compiled the following FAQs based on information available from some of the nation’s top veterinary schools.

What is FIV?
FIV stands for feline immunodeficiency virus. Virologists classify FIV as a lentivirus (or "slow virus").

How common is FIV?
Approximately 1.5 to 3 percent of healthy cats in the United States are infected with FIV.

Can people become infected with FIV?
FIV is highly species-specific virus that infects only felines - humans cannot be infected by FIV.

Can my other cats catch FIV from an infected cat?
The primary method of transmission is through bite wounds. Casual contact (grooming or sharing food dishes) does not appear to spread FIV. Therefore, cats in households with stable social structures where housemates do not fight are at little risk for catching the FIV infection.

How is FIV diagnosed?
Our veterinarian uses the IDEXX snap test. This “ELISA” test detects the presence of FIV-specific antibodies using a blood sample. It should be noted that this test identifies cats that carry the FIV antibody, and does not detect the actual virus. Therefore, a positive test does not necessarily mean the cat is a carrier of FIV.

A vaccine is available for FIV. Cats that have been vaccinated will test positive for the FIV antibody for the rest of their life even though they are not infected. Therefore, testing of stray cats is inconclusive, since it is impossible to know whether or not they have been vaccinated in the past. For these reasons, our rescue group does not use a positive FIV antibody test as criteria for euthanasia.

What special care should I give my FIV positive cat?
FIV positive cats can live relatively healthily lives for many years. Eventually, however, the infection leads to a state of immune deficiency that hinders the cat's ability to protect itself against other infections. The same bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi that may be found in the everyday environment - where they usually do not affect healthy animals - can cause severe illness in cats with weakened immune systems. These secondary infections are responsible for many of the symptoms associated with FIV.

With proper care, FIV positive cats can live long and healthy lives. The important thing to remember is to provide good veterinary care for your cat throughout its life. FIV positive cats should be;

* Kept indoors to reduce their exposure to infectious agents carried by other animals – if you think Arthur would like some fresh air, limited his outside area to a screened patios or pool deck.

* Fed nutritionally complete and balanced diets - uncooked food is not suitable due to the risk of food-borne bacteria and parasites.

* Given a wellness exam by your veterinarian at least every six months, with a complete blood count, serum biochemical analysis, and a urine analysis performed annually.

* Monitored closely for changes in health and behavior - alert your veterinarian to any changes in your cat's health as soon as possible.