Like so many before him, Daggie came to us unneutered, having lived on the streets and coming to the attention of a local resident who got in touch with Catcuddles. Daggie is estimated to be around three years’ old and his temperament suggests he was born on the streets and has had to fend for himself all this time; humans are not something he is at all used to. Daggie has FIV and is looking for an experienced and extremely patient home.

FIV, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is a much-misunderstood virus believed to effect 2.5-4.4% of cats globally. In the past, cats that have tested positive for FIV have been euthanised, but the more we learn about this condition the more apparent it has become that FIV cats can live happy and comfortable lives. The virus has a very slow effect on a cat's immune system, potentially weakening it over several years, and sometimes making that cat more vulnerable to secondary infections in the long-term. Every cat's immune response is different however, and  the right environment is the key to maintaining good health in an FIV cat; a balanced diet and a happy and suitable home. Many FIV positive cats live into their senior years. You can read more about FIV+ and visit some recommended resources here.

Daggie is gradually becoming comfortable around humans, showing signs of learning to trust those who feed them regularly and are showing him kindness. Daggie has intermittently accepted strokes but it is possible he may never allow himself to be touched or come too close other than for food, though over the years we have seen some near miraculous transformations for those willing and able to invest the time in nurturing a relationship with a precious feline.

We are looking for a very calm home with extensive experience of caring for cats who is willing to share their home and heart with Daggie as a solo pet. Daggie is looking for a spacious home (minimum of two bedrooms) that has some form of fully catproofed, enclosed outdoor space he can access through a catflap be that a catio, garden or a quiet balcony. A typical garden with six foot fences and no catproofing (such as brackets and netting) is not sufficient for Daggie’s needs as it is in his best interests to remain close to home.

When cats develop feral behaviours, it's usually because they have been failed by people at the very start of their lives. If we do not find them homes because of this, then we are failing them again. If you can offer the right environment for Daggie, then please get in touch and change his life.