This week’s pet of the week is only six and a half months old and has already overcome many obstacles in such a short amount of time. From being born into the life as a stray, to overcoming Feline Leukemia Virus, here’s Isabella’s story.
As you can see, Isabella has always been small for her age but anyone who’s met her will tell you that she sure makes up for it in personality! In October, an animal lover found an orphaned litter of kittens and was kind enough to bring the litter to McPhillips Animal Hospital. Upon examination, it was discovered that one of the kittens (our Isabella) tested positive for feline leukemia virus (feLV).
Approximately eighty percent of cats that are permanently infected with Feline Leukemia Virus die within three years of coming into contact with the virus due to secondary infections and illness. The veterinarians knew that Isabella would need a very special home while waiting for a secondary test to confirm the diagnosis.
That very special home was with our own co-founder/co-director, Amanda. What makes Amanda so special? A few things, but mostly because Amanda’s cat is also living with feLV, so there would be no risk of infecting another cat while Isabella waited to be tested again. We hoped for the best but knew that if the second test was positive, Isabella could at least live out the rest of her life with Amanda.
After two months of living in foster care, Isabella retested for feLV and came back negative! In 70% of cases, kittens that test positive for feLV will fight off the virus and live long and healthy lives, we are so thankful that Isabella has joined the ranks of happy, healthy and feLV free kittens!
As our Pet Of The Week, Isabella will go to her furrever family with a care package full of treats and goodies. If you think you have room in your heart for Isabella, please head over to our Adopt page and get started on an application!