Pam and I finally caught Chivers on Tuesday morning, and it was great to find out that, although scared, he is not aggressive towards people, purrs when stroked and will do almost anything for a plate of nice food, including walk happily into a carry box! Yesterday when we took him to the vet however, things got a little more complicated.
As I feared, Chivers does have FIV, like his old sparring partner Tommy. At 4 years old he potentially has a long and healthy life ahead of him, but it does mean he needs to be kept away from other non-FIV cats and his days of roaming the streets are over. We now cannot find him a home in Germany with a lovely garden, because should he fight and bite another cat, he could pass on his immuno-deficiency. Also we know from his numerous scratches and scar tissue under his fur, that this cat to date has been a big fighter. Maybe his castration will have calmed him down.
On the plus side, he is a real character and very talkative and lovable. I have already found him a long term foster home in Germany, and I am sure once his eyes and face have healed from his latest fight, I will get some new great photos and video of him.
Our challenge now is to get him on a flight to Germany in the next few weeks, and to keep him safe from other cats in the meantime. He also needs lots of love so that he can adjust to being inside and feel much more comfortable, which is why it is great that Dawn and Pam between them will be fostering him while he is with us, and I am sure spoiling him!
Character Cat Chivers
Character Cat Chivers
Character Cat Chivers
Chivers is a very special cat to George and I. We have fed him for years on the rocks and attended to his numerous ‘battle’ scars.He never stops talking and is very affectionate.Loves to be stroked and petted.When my dog Rufus chased him he turned around and stood his ground and Rufus walked away looking very sheepish!!He is a real character and deserves a loving home which I am sure the girls in Germany will eventually find.