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Friends For Life Animal Shelter

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Foster Spotlight: Rene Ryan

July 2023 × Foster Spotlight: Rene Ryan

July 12, 2023 by Friends For Life

Rene is a long-term foster currently fostering adoptable Theodore.

Rene chose to open her heart and home to Feline Leukemia positive (FeLV+) cats. The compassion and strength of that choice is the stuff of true grace. “My first foster kitty, Maddie, would gently pat my hand or face with a paw when he needed attention.” 


What is the best memory you have with a foster kitty?

The discovery that my first foster kitty, Maddie, would gently pat my hand or face with a paw when he needed attention.


What is your favorite thing about your foster kitties?

They each are so different, but all very loving!


What do you like best about being a foster?

I love being able to give them a real home and a person to love them for however long or short they are with me. 


What is your biggest struggle with fostering?

I have chosen to foster higher needs cats and that can be a struggle but also very rewarding. 


How has your life changed since becoming a foster?

Having a furry buddy at home is of course good for them but I never would have guessed how rewarding it would be for me!


What is Feline Leukemia (FeLV)?

FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, contagious only to other unvaccinated cats.

It isn’t a form of cancer, but is actually a virus that weakens the immune system. The average life span after diagnosis is 2-4 years, although many cats will live asymptomatically much longer. Historically, cats with this disease have been killed the minute they are diagnosed.

Friends For Life has taken a different stance, allowing FeLV cats to live the years left to them with dignity, while trying to find a forever home.

Are the FeLV+ cats available for adoption sickly?

No. The FeLV+ cats we have available are just as healthy at this time as the other cats we have available for adoption. They do, however, have an increased risk of getting sick. So feeding a high quality diet, keeping their environment clean and addressing health problems as soon as they arise are critical. You wouldn’t know a cat had FeLV by just looking at it.

Friends For Life firmly believes that there is no reason an asymptomatic FeLV+ cat should have to die.


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Houston, TX 77008

713-863-9835

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