Shelter animal of the week at De Wissel: Levi Mercury

He came to the shelter because his previous owner’s child turned out to be allergic to him.

“Levi still has to get used to the asylum life with us,” says employee Welmoed on behalf of De Wissel. “He is a quiet independent hangover who loves attention. He is not a lap hangover, but prefers to be near you. He’s not a hangover who likes to be lifted. He prefers to keep his four legs on the ground. He is nice with children and wants to cuddle with them.”

He was neutered at De Wissel and a medical check showed that he is FIV-positive. The FIV virus is related to the HIV virus that causes AIDS in humans. FIV is therefore also referred to as feline AIDS. FIV is not contagious to humans, but FIV cats can transmit the virus to other cats. For example, through blood contact during a fierce fight. “Levi therefore has a private room where he cannot come into contact with other shelter cats,” adds Welmoed. ,,He is a sweet good guy, but of course we couldn’t take the risk of a fight. Levi is almost seven years young and has no symptoms yet. So we want to give him a chance. Hopefully someone will give this tomcat a good life, knowing that he will be sick for part of it. FIV affects the immune system, making the cat susceptible to all kinds of infections.”

A home is being sought for Levi, where he gets enough space and distraction inside. He certainly can’t go outside. A cat run is also an option. He also has to be the only cat in the household, given his illness. On the following website you can read exactly what FIV means: licg.nl/katten/kattenaids-fiv .

If you want to know more and/or are interested in Levi Mercury or one of the other animals, please contact us via telephone number 058-2664300. More information on the website: www.dierenopvangdewissel.nl .