So we brought Charlie in to be retested yesterday, hopefull that the nearly 4 pounds he gained since he showed up on our porch indicated a healthy if not robust cat.

Unfortunately, the results came back positive.

We discussed the options of getting our cats vacinated for FIV as a way we could bring Charlie in, but the vet tells us that even with the vacine, we would have to keep the cats seperated, they couldn't share food, water, or grrom each other as the disease is transmitted through their saliva.

The right thing to do, would be to put Charlie down, as his living outside is just creating a health hazard for the other neighborhood cats, but seeing how healthy and happy Charlie is right now, I'm not sure I can bring myself to do that.

I'm sad, depressed, angry at Charlie's former parents for abandoning him and hoping we can find a solution for him. At the moment we're thinking about making the backyard his home, making the gates and fences higher to discourage both him and the neighborhood cats from scaling it. Still I'm sad that Charlie has to live out his life in quarintine.

It just sucks.

oh this is just tragic and must be heart-wrenching for you guys. ((((NA & €))))Charlie is such a handsome kitty and i am sure appreciates the love and care you are giving him.after losing two kitties to cayotes, Boomer stays indoors. he prefers it anyway cuz he can follow the dog around and play with her.my Kaila and Boomer are both napping near me as i post and i will give them extra attention today.

I hate to say this, but I think putting Charlie down is the right thing to do. I think that was one of the hardest things I have ever had to post, but I do think that. Now I know, I'm not the biggest cat lover (I'm allergic) but I was thinking that if this were Frodo and there was a huge danger of him passing it on to equally loved doggies, I would reluctantly do it. I would be crushed for a long time, but I'd do it. I would hate to endanger other animals and leave that terrible choice up to those families.
Of course, if there is another way to deal with this situation then I say go for it. But I can't think of one...
My heart goes out to you both. And to Charlie, of course.
:)

Oh man, I was so hoping this was not going to be the end of the story for Charlie. I can't offer any advice to you both, but whatever you decide, you have my support. I'm here, looking at my two sweet kitties and so thankful they are healthy and happy.

I know you will do what is best for you and Charlie, who looks to be a real affectionate fella. If, ultimately, the decision is to be the sad ending for him, you can take heart in knowing that you have provided him with love and care and made his time with you to be likely the happiest he has known. Whomever his former owners are, shame on them and may the karma they deserve come back to strike them.

I'm so sad now, going to go and snuggle with my little ones and think of you and sweet Charlie. :(

Donna

Arrrrgh! I'm so sorry you guys are going through this tough kitty time.

Chris, you've mentioned that you feel like Charlie has a message for you. Maybe it isn't so much that he has a message from you, but that he sensed something within you that he needs. It seems that what he needs could be one of two things. Perhaps he sensed that you are selfless enough to allow him to gracefully leave the world even though you love him so much. Or maybe it's that he knew he would find a safe haven with you guys until his time here is through. What a grueling task it must be to try and decipher that message.

If you go the backyard route, can you ensure that he won't come in contact with your other kitties? Do you feel like he would be happy out there? Are you prepared to face the tough end that feline HIV brings? If the answer to those is yes, then maybe that's a good route to go.

Our thoughts are with you guys, and Charlie. Give him a smooch for me.

I wonder if there is a rescue facility for kitties like Charlie- one that takes care of kitties with FIV? It's just a rotten choice to have to make. I honestly don't know what I would do in your place. I suppose ultimately I would do as the vet suggested, but I would feel completely ****ty about it. Then I would go and adopt another kitty, in honor of Charlie.

I don't know the answer, but I did find a source for cat rescue in California. The listing is a PDF and you can find it here, courtesy of a Dog Rescue site.

I'm clinging to hope, but I do think I can say, based on what you've told us, Charlie is doubly blessed to have both of you caring for him. Clearly his kitty-dar was working 100%.

Donna

Hey, I just found this place online: FIV Cats.

Check it out- some very good and positive info here.

That's a great site Wendy! Very, very encouraging.

:( So sorry, guys.