Nelson (FeLV+)- Bonded to Sammy (FeLV+)

Nelson is a beautiful tabby with bright green/aqua ringed eyes. Nelson spent years in isolation before coming to his current foster, so he is adjusting to the joy of being free to move. He LOVES his new buddy Sammy! Nelson used to hide all the time, but is coming out of his shell. Now he is typically out and about, curiously watching the bigger world outside from his perch on his cat tree, or begging for food or playtime. He is still afraid of laps and does not want to be picked up, but he loves to rub his face on a person's hand and get scratches on his head. He is a gentle boy, but he still reacts with fear to sudden movements and sometimes greets people with a warning hiss. He loves to play with feathers and wand toys and chomp on cat grass. Overall he is shy and needs a place to hide if overwhelmed, but he is getting more and more comfortable with people and he is gaining confidence from Sammy. He watches how Sammy plays with toys and interacts with people, and then tries to imitate Sammy. Sammy and Nelson have become good friends and like to snuggle and play together. Nelson is sometimes over-interested in Sammy's food, so we recommend supervising them while eating wet food. They both hate the vacuum! FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS (FeLV) Nelson and Sammy met because each had tested positive for feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and they became best friends. Having FeLV means that the immune system is compromised and the life span might be shortened if the cat is exposed to pathogens they cannot fight off. Illnesses can typically be treated, however, and FeLV+ cats can live normal lives. We recommend careful monitoring of weight, appetite, activity level, elimination habits, appearance of the mouth and eyes, and behavior as an important part of managing this disease. Because of this diagnosis, Nelson and Sammy should be the only cats in the household so that they do not catch things from other cats and the other cats aren't infected with FeLV. It is not easily transmissible through casual contact, surfaces, or clothes, or to other species of animals or humans. Nelson is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and tested negative for FIV. Nelson's adoption fees have been 100% covered by a generous donor!