BALTIMORE (WMAR) — BARCS has announced a new adoption program for cats diagnosed with certain immune system disorders.
It's called "Positively Adoptable," and it waives adoption fees for cats that have either FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus).
The incurable diseases suppress a cat’s immune system, making it more difficult for them to fight off infections. While FeLV has a preventative vaccine, there is none for cats already carrying the virus.
BARCS says there's a lot of misinformation that make it difficult for theses cats to find a home and more likely that they are euthanized.
One fear potential adopters have is the assumption that the disease can be transmitted from cats to humans. BARCS says that's not the case and the disease cannot be given to humans.
The second concern is the cats who test positive will always live shorter lives. According to BARCS, some cats like any other could possibly have a shorter life span, but there are many cases where even with the disease they live a full happy life.
BARCS says Marston the cat was rescued off the city streets as a stray and tested positive for FIV.
After two months, Marston was finally adopted and is living a healthy life with his new owner, and even goes to work with him everyday.
BARCS recommends consulting a family veterinarian before adopting a cat with this type of diagnosis.
To make a donation to the "Positively Adoptable" program, click here.
