My Story
Introducing Kuzco! Snuggly, affectionate, attentive, and social, this genteel, dapper gentlemen is as purrfect a cuddly companion as he is a playful pal!
- More pictures (and videos!) of Kuzco: https://bit.ly/KyFosterKittens
- Application link: https://bit.ly/HSOCKittenApp
KUZCO'S STORY:
Kuzco has a rough backstory. Born to a feral mother, Kuzco and his siblings were born in a sewer near a retirement community. A kindhearted elderly gentleman took pity on the scrawny, abandoned mother and began feeding mama as she nursed her newborns. Unfortunately, the apartment complex threatened to evict the gentleman if he continued caring for the cats. Worried about the kitties' safety, the desperate man called HSOC; HSOC immediately stepped in and rescued the family of kitties. Now, Mama is happily adopted and Kuzco + his siblings are enjoying Foster Care, waiting patiently for their purrfect Fur-ever Family.
KUZCO'S PERSONALITY:
Kuzco is a genteel, dapper soul. Endearly polite and adoringly chatty, Kuzco is a sweet soul who loves people as much as he loves his feline companions. Kuzco will follow you from place to place, enjoying your company; he's truly "here for the vibes. A social butterfly, he will greet you at the door and welcome you enthusiastically. When it is time for bed, he'll curl up with you and enjoy the naps with you.
He is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.
FIV: FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS
TL;DR: there is a less than 3% chance that Kuzco has FIV but out of an abundance of caution we feel it important to make potential adopters aware of the minimal possibility.
The only potential cloud to this kitten is that Kuzco's mother, Mama Chicha, tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV+). What is FIV? Although scary sounding, FIV simply means the kitty has a chronic immune system deficiency. Similar to HIV in people, the virus can weaken a cat's immune system, making them vulnerable to other infections.
FIV itself does NOT impact lifespan. However, it does make cats with FIV more prone to illness, and if those illnesses are left untreated, it can result in the otherwise preventable passing of the FIV+ cat. FIV spreads only through deep puncture wounds (deep bites) and mating (neither behavior was exhibited by Mama Chicha with babies).
There is a lot of misinformation about FIV+, but here are some reputable and educational articles:
- What it is: https://www.humanesociety.org/news/fiv-positive-cats
- FAQs: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/health/fiv
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR KUZCO?
Less than 3% of kittens with FIV+ mothers do NOT contract FIV; however, all tests for FIV will report a positive FIV result due to the antibodies in the mother's milk. An accurate test cannot be completed until the kitten is 6-months old to definitively determine if the kitten is truly FIV+.
For Kuzco, HSOC is providing complementary (free) FIV testing in November 2024 (when he turns 6-months old) for his adopters to confirm if he is truly FIV+ or not. Although it's a very small chance he is positive for FIV, HSOC wants to provide that confirmation (negative or positive) and encourages all potential adopters for Kuzco to assume adopting him will mean caring for a FIV kitty.