08/26/2025
At a local county building, an adult grey cat frequented the grounds, accepting shared bits of employees’ lunches and brief pets. Attempts were made to find an owner, without success.
Three weeks ago he appeared with his cheek severely swollen. P*P was contacted and he was expediently trapped and taken for care. He was named Steel, because it means strong and grey.
Steel had suffered multiple injuries to his cheek and face and significant infection had set in. The area was cleaned and he was treated with antibiotics and pain medication. While under anesthesia, Steel was neutered.
Bloodwork showed that he was FIV positive. FIV is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system of cats, making them more susceptible to other infections. Primarily spread through deep bite wounds during cat fights, FIV-positive cats can live with other cats that are not infected, as long as they are not prone to fighting. Regular vet checkups, a healthy diet, and keeping the cat indoors are crucial for managing FIV.
Steel is currently in the care of a wonderful foster family. His wounds are healing nicely and they are working with him to build trust. No longer will he struggle to survive, and we look forward to the day he finds his “forever”home.
