CATS LIVING WITH FIV AIDS

What is Feline AIDS?
Feline AIDS is the feline form of HIV. It is caused by an infection
with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

FIV is a potentially fatal viral disease that interfers with the
immune system of a cat.

The virus lives in the blood of the infected cat and is carried
in its system throughout  its life.

FIV is NOT an immediate death sentence for cats.
With proper care, infected cats can live long and
otherwise healthy lives.

FIV can only be transmitted cat to cat,
not cat to dog or cat to human.

31 million cats are at risk for FIV each year.
Only 11% of cats at risk are being tested.
Without testing, there is no way to know
whether or not your cat is FIV positive.

FIV is manageable if detected early.
Your cat can be tested with one blood test,
and it only takes 10 minutes!

If your cat tests positive for FIV, your vet can work with you
to manage the infection through diet and preventative health care.
You and your vet can develop a plan that includes:
semi-annual wellness visits
a balanced nutritional diet
watching for signs of illness
spaying/neutering
maintaining your cat's vaccination program.

Meet the FIV Cats in Foster Care at The Ark Animal  Sanctuary
They all have a story and they are all beautiful,
healthy (despite having FIV), adoptable, have wonderful personalities
and get along with each other.
The FIV kitties live in a wholly separate environment
from our other adoptable cats.
These few have been fortunate enough to have made it to AAS.
Even if they do not get adopted,
they will always have a permanent home filled with love.

Thank you to all of our volunteers who help take care of them!

 TK (Toothless Kitty) came to Ark about 3 years ago. He came from a very bad situation, living outside with an upper respiratory condition and was very thin and feral. TK had to have all his teeth removed, due to the FIV. He is a happy cat without them and eats dry food without a problem. TK is our most social cat and loves people!

 Rollee lived outside in the bitter cold with no shelter until he was brought to us about 2 years ago, badly matted and very thin. Rollee had to have all his teeth removed due to FIV, but eats well and is one of the most beautiful, majestic cats you will ever meet!

 Pete's been with us about 3 years. He was picked up as a stray living out in the cold. His legs were all cut up and badly infected. But look at him now! So handsome. And very affectionate!

 Beau came to us as a stray about 3 years ago, his legs cut up and infected. He was thin and his coat was very dull, but just look at his beautiful, fluffy self! This contented kitty will make a terrific companion and friend.

 Gaston came in as a stray about one year ago. This beautiful guy showed his lovable personality right away. What a purrfect companion to add some love into your home!

 Austin is the smallest of our FIV kitties. He's been with us for 2 years. He is very sweet, very shy, but is sure to come out of his shell with the right person to love him in his new furever home.

 Moose, well, his name says it all! He's a big, handsome guy who was totally feral when he came to Ark about 6 months ago. He is growing more fonder of his foster humans every day. Moose is missing a part of one ear, but that just add to his character!

  Hector 2 has the saddest story of all the FIV kitties. He came to us less than 1 year ago as a stray living outside a family's home for years. For some inexplicable reason, the family was afraid of him and kicked him whenever he got too close. Because of all the kicking, Hector developed arthritis and a limp. But his limping doesn't keep him from greeting anyone looking to give him hugs and kisses! Some days are worse for him than others, but not because of his FIV, but because of the arthritis. Many of us humans can sympathize with that, yes?

Ark Animal Sanctuary Mission Statement

  The mission of The Ark Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization, is to rescue and provide food, shelter, medical assistance, love and compassion to any animal in need, regardless of age and medical condition.

  We will take full responsibility of every animal placed with us until they find loving homes.

  The Ark is a no-kill organization.

  Euthanasia will only be considered when a veterinarian recommends it for the best interest of the animal.

  We believe every animal's life is meaningful and they all deserve loving homes.


Goals
  To educate the public on the importance of spay and neuter which will help eliminate the problem of unwanted pets.

  To educate the public about responsible pet ownership.

  To work towards eliminating backyard breeders and over-breeding.

  To identify feral cat colonies and implement a trap, neuter, release program which will help control the feral cat population.


Vision

  To purchase a large farmhouse on Rt. 1 with a few acres of land.

  To provide a cageless environment as much as possible.

  To have a gift shop on the premises with crafts, quilts, etc. donated by various individuals with all proceeds to go to the animals' care.

  To have an Ark Angel chapel to pay tribute to past companions.

We are only starting out, but we are far ahead of the game thanks to the support of our friends, neighbors and families.
We do this for the animals
and any support or monetary donations will be greatly appreciated.
No amount is too small, every penny is appreciated...
because it will be given with love.

Donations can be mailed to or dropped off at this time at:
Ark Animal Sanctuary
at Hollywood Pet Salon
70 Main St.
Houlton, ME 04730
Phone: 207-532-7387

Come visit and see some of the great kitties
at the shop in need of loving homes!