Corbin is the “King of Snuggles,” a 4-year-old FIV+ cat who quickly charmed everyone when he arrived at an Illinois adoption center. Corbin, the charismatic tabby with gorgeous green eyes, has feline immunodeficiency virus, just like Marmalade. (Marm got the virus from his mother as a kitten. It does not pass to humans.)
Uninformed people can often be scared to adopt an FIV+ cat, not realizing these kitties can live long, happy lives, as Marmalade certainly proves! As content indoor kitties, they are not likely to pass the virus on to other cats. But they need to stay indoors, which helps them avoid stress. In general, we recommend keeping all pet cats indoors so they aren’t exposed to dangers. FIV+ cats can live with other cats so long as they are not getting into serious fights, and Marmalade is also a purrfect example of that.
Image via Facebook/Cole & Marmalade
Corbin the King of Snuggles
An ideal situation for an FIV+ cat is living with other pawsitive cats, but not necessarily. The McHenry County adoption center hoped Corbin could find such a home for the extremely friendly kitty. This cat is so friendly he will not accept a treat until he’s gotten his share of cuddles, as a volunteer shared. Since Corbin is so people-oriented, he could do well as an only kitty, too.
“Corbin was telling me how happy he is to be ready for a new home! He is FIV+, but that doesn’t deter him from being the king of snuggles,” they shared.
This cat is very friendly and chill, an ideal companion.
“Corbin, dreaming a little dream.”
Another post showed that Corbin is the ideal cat, handsome, snuggly, and loving in every way.
“Corbin. He is a VERY handsome, VERY snuggly 4-year-old boy. He weighs about 12 lbs; he’s big and proportioned. He loves attention and will jump up in your lap to get it.”
The adoption center also shared our post about Marmalade with facts about FIV+ cats. It’s great for getting the low-down on FIV in a few seconds.
Image via Facebook/Cole & Marmalade
More important facts on FIV and FeLV, feline leukemia virus here.
Corbin Finds His Purrfect Home
As such a handsome, friendly kitty, Corbin proved irresistible to one family, with some help from rescuers from Purrfect Cat Rescue Inc. This family recently adopted an FIV+ cat named Booker through the Crystal Lake rescue. Like Corbin, Booker is super-affectionate, handsome, and has green eyes.
“Booker is FIV+ but he comes with so much love and so many purrs,” said rescue founder Deb.
You can see why the family fell in love with charming Booker.
“CONGRATS to Booker! We are over the moon happy for this FIV+ sweetheart! Such a love. Deserves the same love as any kitty and his new mom and dad are going to give it! Thank you for giving him the forever home he deserves!” Purrfect Cat Rescue Inc. shared.
Booker was used to living with another cat, so they wanted to find him the right buddy. That’s when the rescuers referred them to their friends at the adoption center. And that’s how Corbin found his loving furever home with another FIV+ cat and adoring humans to care for him.
It looks like Corbin has settled in and is living his best life. A relaxed indoor life like this is ideal and could extend his life by many years. FIV+ cats can live as long as other cats but do better without stresses that can further weaken their immune system.
Once again, the rescuers were thrilled for Corbin and Booker.
“We are over the moon happy that this worked out just they way it was supposed to. FIV+ cats deserve the same as any other cats. Thank you for giving him the chance,” responded Purrfect Cat Rescue Inc.
Feline FIV is not transmittable to humans, and it’s difficult for cats to pass FIV to others unless they get into a serious fight with deep puncture wounds. That’s why it’s much more likely to be transmitted by feral cats squabbling in territorial disputes. If they are spayed or neutered, this greatly reduces the likelihood of such skirmishes in feral populations.
We thank the rescuers and family for this wonderful story, and hope it will inspire others to adopt pawsome FIV+ cats. We love that two pawsitive cats will have an amazing home together.
