Oscar The FIV+ Tom Cat

It's been 8 weeks since we caught Mr Stray - now Oscar - and he's changed from a scared, abandoned, seriously sick and infected stray cat to a loving, sweet, amazingly strong boy who's health is slowly progressing but our Oscar still has quite a way to go :)

Oscar's journey has been amazing to watch - from the first night we caught Oscar, he wouldn't let us near him - his fur was unkempt and matted - he was covered in faeces, dirt and infested with fleas. He smelt and looked awful and very unwell. Oscar was skinny and extremely malnourished, and he was so hungry & frightened. He didn't even know how to poop in a litter box and he'd sit on his food and water or sit in the litter box rather than the blanket. His throat was so sore he couldn't even meow - just make a sad gurgling noise. This has gotten a little better and now Oscar can meow a wee bit more.

Today, over 6 weeks later Oscar's a changed boy - we desexed him and had him blood tested to prove he is FIV positive. Oscar's been on meds non-stop since we've had him and is now on another months worth (3 weeks left now) - and will most likely need more.

Our main issue at the moment is getting rid of the cat flu - Oscar still has the snuffles and wheezing eyes rather bad and this will take quite some time to kill off. His immune system is terrible as the FIV has destroyed it. But day by day Oscar is slowly but surely getting better.

Oscar can now use a litter box with ease :) And he loves to be fed and patted! He sleeps on me at night and loves to be stroked and scratched - and he doesn't mind being brushed a little. He kneads and purrs like a kitten :) He can purr now, where at the beginning he couldn't make much noise due to his throat, nose and lungs being covered in gunk from the cat flu. Oscar no longer eats his food like it's his last meal and thankfully he has a healthy appetite and thirst. He hasn't hissed or swiped at us for over 4 weeks now and he simply loves company - he loves to be around us. Oscar is in 24/7 quarantine and usually kept away from our cats, but he has been around our cats Skye and Charlie (with supervision) and Oscar has shown signs of aggression, and has swiped charlie, so this will also be another long process :) He's such a strong boy and his personality is coming along nicely!

You've helped us raise $586 and this has gone on 3 lots of medicine, Clavulox and 2x VibraVet ($153). We got Oscar desexed and blood tested ($30 - great deal!) We brought a year worth of flea treatment ($57), we've ordered Flu Max to help him fight colds/flus & dental treats ($54.10 - being sent on Monday), Worming tablets ($14.22), vet consultations ($83.22), we've brought plenty of food for Oscar (He's a hungry boy!), and other little things such as litter and toys - But we have sadly discovered Oscar has no idea how to play. The meds we are using at the moment, Vibravet are approx $80 a month and a vet consultation is approx $40-50 depending on the day and time. To get more meds we need consults and it would be great to spend extra money on more medicine and treatments that will help Oscar progress :) Such as the Flu Max and dental treats - lysine is always good!! We'd like to look into getting a cat muzzle to be on the safe side when Skye & Charlie are around and investing in a product such as Feliway to help calm Oscar and help him relax would be awesome too.

Thank you all so much for all your support!! I couldn't have done this without you all and your kind donations :) We love you all to the moon and back xoxox We appreciate all your help