It’s a bat... It’s a couch potato... It’s Rusty!
Say hello to Rusty—if he hasn’t already said hello first with a gentle head bonk! (And while you’re here, would you care to give him some pets? He’d love that too.) This little snuggle bug is here to bask in everyone’s love and attention!
Rusty was in rough shape when he came to us and was at risk of being euthanized. He had some concerns with his teeth and eyes. He had an eye infection, a corneal ulcer, and two unsuccessful surgeries for a condition called entropion. This means his eyelid rolled inward uncomfortably against the surface of his eye. Our veterinary partners were able to perform corrective surgery on his eyes, so the entropion was cured. However, the ulceration on his right eye was so severe his eye had to be removed. He also has arthritis, which is managed with monthly injections to keep him comfortable. Many of his health concerns were exacerbated by the fact that he is FIV+.
Rusty needs a little more TLC than your usual kitty, but if you’re ready to take on his health needs, you’ll have the sweetest and perhaps sleepiest companion around the home. The slow life is where it’s at for this little kitty! Nap times are a must for Rusty, but when he’s not dozing off next to you with the cutest snores, he’ll happily sit on your lap or gently play during the day. Hidey holes are nice, but not as nice as people, so you’ll rarely catch him watching you or your guests from afar. Rusty likes to be close to the action. He’s not reserved about telling you when it’s time to eat (dry food, room temperature please, and Whiskas if you insist on wet food). In fact, he’ll talk to you when he needs just about anything—treats, hugs, play time. He’ll always say yes to the brush (and loves it): this luscious orange coat doesn’t look camera ready by itself! And if your idea of fun is on the mischievous side, he’ll let you dress him up and even balance small cat toys on his head. Just no belly touches, please!
Rusty doesn’t bite or scratch from excitement, but he will let you know when he needs a break from all the petting you’ll want to give him by putting his mouth around your hand without breaking skin. Don’t worry, he’ll be back for more cuddles soon.
Who is Rusty's perfect adopter?
Rusty behaves like an older cat, so he’d appreciate a calm home that matches his energy. The perfect family for Rusty will try to understand and respect his body language and can commit to the health care (e.g., monthly arthritis injections) and veterinary visits he needs to maintain a comfortable quality of life. Rusty has FIV, which is a virus that weakens the immune system of a cat. It is not transmissible to humans or other species. Cats who have FIV can live just as long as other cats if they are properly cared for with a good diet, indoor home, loving family, and vet checkups twice a year.