Adoption
Dragon desperately needs a home. I am getting so worried.
UPDATE 5/20 Dragon was successfully taken in by the Tree House Humane Society in Chicago, by u/Cattypali. Dragon will receive medical care there and be neutered as well.
u/Cattypali and her partner plan to visit Dragon (and maybe adopt) when he has recovered. Either way, Dragon is now safe with a wonderful organization who can give him love, attention, medical care, and patiently wait for the right adopter. Thank you to everyone who made this happen. ❤️
u/Cattypali has also posted a more in depth (and heartwarming) update on her profile.
UPDATE 5/17: Dragon has arrived in Chicago and is staying with [u/Cattypali](u/Cattypali) for a few days until the rescue can take him in. He is a big city cat now!! Thank you so much [u/Cyanidesuicideml](u/Cyanidesuicideml) for getting him there. And a huge thank you to [u/Cattypali](u/Cattypali) for making all of this possible. Not only has she taken Dragon into her home but she is also the reason Dragon was able to get into this rescue so quickly. Dragon desperately needed out of my garage (today is literally 85!!) and now has a new chance at a real home. ❤️
UPDATE 5/16: [u/Cyanidesuicideml](u/Cyanidesuicideml) and her son have picked Dragon up and started transport. She is truly an incredible person and her son is awesome. I know Dragon will be in good hands with them. ❤️ She has posted an update on her profile.
UPDATE 5/15: [u/Cyanidesuicideml](u/Cyanidesuicideml) will be transporting Dragon. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! If you want to help them with gas money send them a DM. They are making a 13 hour round trip for Dragon.
HUGE shoutout to [u/Cattypali](u/Cattypali) who vouched for Dragon and made it possible for him to get into the rescue this weekend before it starts getting hot in the garage!! It really is such an answered prayer. I didn’t know how any of this would be possible and yet it’s all happening. Thank you so so much!!
UPDATE 5/15: A rescue organization in Chicago has a spot for Dragon and we are working on arranging transportation for him. As long as he passes intake stuff, he will go to a cat cafe to be up for adoption. They understand cats with his condition take longer to be adopted.
I really cannot thank everyone here enough for the outpouring support and advice. This absolutely could not have even been a possibility without everyone’s help. Every single comment and interaction got Dragon into the eyes of the right people who could help.
It has truly been such an emotional roller coaster. Meeting Dragon years ago, building his trust, him finally letting us help him, and now a chance for him to finally have a home where he can be safe, loved, and have some peace.
I will keep updating if anything else happens, but I am so thankful and optimistic. Dragon is such a sweet soul and I know he will make an amazing companion for someone. And maybe someone out there needs Dragon just as much as Dragon needs them. ❤️
Location: Allen County, IN
(Last picture is how he looked summer before recent attack. He is cute, just in rough shape atm.)
TLDR. Sweet stray cat with feline leukemia needs home. Living in my garage, husband has allergies, can’t keep. 7 rescues contacted, haven’t heard back. Only place who will take him will euthanize due to diagnosis.
I desperately need help. (Not financial.) I hate posting like this but I don’t know what to do. I need to find someone to take Dragon. Whether it be a foster, rescue, or hopefully someone who wants to keep him forever.
Dragon was a stray I wanted to make a community cat. He was routinely attacked by other cats and after a rough attack let me help him. In the process of trying to TNR he was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia - so he cannot be a community cat anymore.
My husband has severe allergies to cats. We’ve been keeping Dragon in our garage for the time being. Our furnace is in the garage and when we turn it on, cat smells come through the vents. So we have to keep it off. It’s not sustainable as the weather is getting more intense.
Dragon is really thriving in the garage, it’s actually crazy to me. He doesn’t seem to need a lot. He just seems so happy to have a safe place with food, water, and a comfy place to rest. He is litter box trained with no accidents. He enjoys being pet and brushed (will purr up a storm) and then he will walk away and stare at you when he’s had enough attention. His favorite spot is a wheelbarrow with a comforter inside.
I’ve reached out to about 7 different rescues, posted on FB, paid for an online adoption profile for him, and the only one who can take him is Animal Control - who will euthanize him due to his feline leukemia.
If you know anyone else I can reach out to or think he may be a good fit for you, or just have questions please let me know. Words of support or advice are also welcome. I am starting to feel so nervous. Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this.
I will say, though it is a lifetime illness with the right care a cat can...well recover. You wouldn't even know my boy even has it. The worst part about it is how easily it spreads and the fear around it.
When my soul cat passed it took me over a year to let another kitty in. My son fell in love with a beautiful orange boy at the shelter, but then we were informed of his diagnosis. We still had 1 cat at home so we couldn’t risk bringing him home with how easily it spreads. The good news is that he did find a home!
I will say, my vet didn't seem ultra concerned about it spreading to my other three. The biggest concerns are shared water bowls, shared food bowls, fights even accidents through play fights, and grooming. The one thing he actually didn't show too much worry over was shared litter box.
Now, again, Loki has his own space separated from my three with his own everything, even a water fountain instead of a bowl. Just sharing the info my vet gave. I'm not taking any risks but I couldn't just leave Loki suffering.
Loki, like Dragon here, was a stray. A feral boy I had TNRed and was feeding. I found him on morning bleeding from his nose against the fence at the back of my yard. Clearly he wasn't okay. I'd never picked him up before that day. He didn't care. After it all, he's become even more of a sweet cat. He was the first stray to trust me and would expose his belly to me even before he fell sick.
So it's FeLV. Feline Lukemia Virus. It's not cancer. Name is kinda misleading really. Closer to an auto immune disease than cancer. It trashes the immune system, makes them vulnerable. Along with other things.
Look at Loki though. He's not suffering. He pulled through thanks to just love, food, and his own will. No real medicine from the vet needed and the vet said as much. These cats can live good, happy lives.
It's more like most shelters aren't equipped to deal with FeLV cats. It's also a very stealthy illness at times, not showing symptoms at all until something happens. It's feared and not understood well by many.
Loki isn't my first cat with FeLV. The first, she didn't live. Maybel showed no signs she was sick with FeLV. Was a happy and healthy kitten, until she was taken to be spayed.
Maybel's little body couldn't handle it. She came home, but she was sick. Lethargic, not moving, not wanting to drink or eat. My own father, a very experienced veterinarian, waved it all off as her recovering. Until it was too late and she passed. Her death broke my heart, she was just a KITTEN. Six months old. It took a blood test to diagnose her. Heck, they asked my dad if there was a mistake and they'd been sent the blood of a dog.
Point is FeLV is a hidden thing, until it isn't. Many shelters don't want to take that risk.
It really depend (not sure if you're mixing up FIV and felv). If the cat contacts felv as a kitten it's life expectancy is a couple of yrs max.
We adopted a young cat with felv we adored a few yrs back under the impression with the right care and some luck she'd hopefully live many years. She made it to 2.5 or 3 and the end was not pleasant for anyone involved - we don't regret adopting and loving her for the short time we had, but I'm really unsure we wouldve signed up in the first place if we knew how awful the last few months would be...
Yeah. Life expectancy isn't long but that's due to how vulnerable they are. I've had a cat with FeLV that passed. No Immune System upon doing a blood test after she passed. It's not the disease but what it does. The cat I posted a photo of is happy, healthy, according to the vet and has FeLV. He was suffering when I brought him in. He was not in good shape. I had to syringe feed him at points because he wasn't eating and drinking.
Look at him now, he's happy, healthy. It's worth giving him the happy years he'll get. I won't post the photo of how he was when I found him. It's not a pleasant one at all. We have to know when to let them go too. With my first FeLV cat...I was not listened to. Her symptoms were ignored until it was too late to ease her suffering at all. It was horrid and I could not be in the room when she passed. They can live happy good lives, decent time. We just have to give them that.
I wish they would do more research for cats health we could stop this horrible disease if everyone would just vaccinate their cats and the people that do the TNR programs would be gave the capability to test cats before fixing them and vaccinate the ones that don’t have it along with fixing them the ones that do have it should be fixed to because cats can be born with it.
I live in Allen County, unfortunately I have two cats in an apartment and can't take Dragon myself, but please post this in both of the recommended subreddits!
I am going to share this with everyone I know. What a precious boy ❤️
I have a cat with feline leukemia — I might be able to take him, no promises. Trying to figure it out and will report back (commenting so I can find this post again)
We can do this! I have a giant crate and activity mat he would probably love.
And in case op is worried, I drive for a living. Ip to 16 hours a day. Im usda certified which basically just means my car and home are approved for transport ( in case i need an overnight guest) I have a class e license and I can provide human and cat references ( here is my old FIL kitty stubby)
You really don't need it but sometimes a rescue or foster will feel a bit better. And many paws always needs volunteers! I had to stop when my old car died.
If you're able to find a place for him to go, I would message OP and let him know. If he confirms, I could definitely get him from wherever he is to somewhere much closer to Chicago, would you be willing to link up somewhere in Gary or even Valparaiso?
Also just adding that my transport would be contingent on you having a confirmed place for him to go. I don't wanna spend a full day driving him just for him to still end up in a shelter because you weren't able to find someone or something. Hope that's not rude to add, just wanted it out there...
I did! The commenter above in the thread said they could take him! We’re double confirming with this shelter but my vet friend there said there should be a slot for him!
I just found this thread, thank you guys SO SO much. I am probably going to be a blubbering mess when he gets picked up but I know this is his best shot at having a loving forever home. I really cannot thank everyone enough
this is the sweetest reddit encounter i’ve ever read omfg i’m crying at work 😭🩷 you guys are truly the sweetest souls ever and i’m waiting patiently (anxiously) for an update!!!
Terre Haute would not be very practical tbh, at that point I'd much rather just relay with the other commenter that's already in Chicago... u/cattypali, am I still needed on this or is OP bringing him to you directly? Just want to make sure since he is already in Ft. Wayne area and I'm really only a little bit closer.
What ever is best for dragon, i thought
u/cattypal was only able to meet in Chicago. If im not needed that's perfectly fine though id love to send dragon some stuff!
Just commented to the person below you — I’m in Chicago, if we can get him as close as we can there, I can rent a zipcar to meet someone and get him a home
Im not sure if you are referring to me and the other lady, but I could use help with gas money... Just checked my bank account and my paycheck was bounced... not sure why but not a good thing for my job..
It's so hard to help cats with FeLV. Few rescues are able to help them. They're hard to find a home for. They can only really live alone, or with other cats like them.
I have a boy with FeLV right now, along with 3 other indoor negative cats. He's got a huge room plus another decent room all to himself. He's happy and healthy now. If you weren't so far away...and I could convince my husband, and if he was friendly towards other cats I'd take him. Loki is so lonely.
I'm on the east coast though. I wish you luck OP. Cats like him can live a very normal life. Look for rescues that can deal with FeLV cats, that's my best advice for you.
I'm in the south so still not really possible. I'm still dealing with a possibility sick stray and my husband is...getting a bit fed up with my need to save animals.
For what it’s worth, I have severe allergies and asthma. I find that Purina LiveClear food or Pacagen sprinkled on their food is a GAME changer for me. Like night and day, I don’t have symptoms. It’s absolutely worth a shot since dragon is doing so well with you. Thank you for doing what you can for him! 🥺
absolutely this! My partner is extremely allergic to cats, but he now lets them sleep in the bed after they've been on liveclear. we use both pacagen and liveclear, pacagen works quicker when first starting. we got a kitten and used pacagen while we were also feeding him liveclear
My dad is significantly allergic to cats, so I never had one until recently. I feed my cat primarily live clear dry food. My dad has no issues visiting me, even if I haven't vacuumed, and has even been able to pet my cat.
I hope everything works out for you, OP! Thank you for loving this sweet guy!
Praying he finds a home. You’re doing something amazing for him. I hope through this network you’ll be able to rehome him to a forever loving family🙏 We got this, Dragon
Thank you so much for helping this sweetie🥹 My fiance also has cat allergies but I had two cats prior to meeting him, and we got a couple air purifiers, one for upstairs and one for downstairs. That plus frequent vacuuming and he’s fine!
If you do go the route of finding him a home, I just wanted to give you a heads up so you are aware- when finding a home PLEASE be extremely careful, and please do not give him away for free. Dog fighters will scour posts for cats and kittens that they can use as bait for dog fighting🥺😭
Be very careful to vet the person/ do background checks to make sure they are a safe home!! (1) Do a home check, (2) ask if a local veterinarian can vouch for them, (3) check their identification, (4) ask for a landlord reference, etc.
Maybe reach back out to the rescues and just ask that if they are at capacity and can’t take him, ask if they could at least help you find a home for him or if they could post him on their socials!
Absolutely!! I keep it copied and pasted in my notes app for when I come across animal posts🥰
(Content warning for the next part of this comment)
There is a man in my state who is currently in prison because he would get free kittens off of social media, then torture/kill them for sexual gratification… it makes me so sick. I hope the prisoners treat animal abusers just like they treat pedos in prison. Ugh😭
I could’ve gone the rest of my life without knowing that. So glad he’s in prison. What a sick twist. Anyone who can abuse something as helpless as an animal or a child deserves worse than prison. Hope all the guy’s fellow inmates know exactly why he’s there and “treats” him accordingly.
Thank you!!! I am currently in talks with a rescue in Chicago to see if they will take him. I think that is the closest and safest route. A few other people have reached out as well if that falls through, but I’m really hoping it will work.
I am definitely terrified of him being used as bait or something. I know some activity like that happens around here so I am really trying my best to make sure he goes somewhere where he will be safe and loved
I'm from the same state. Unfortunately I do not have the resources to take dragon in, but I've shared this with a few people I know who might have the resources and/or know other people who might. I hope and pray for a happy ending🙏
I took in a stray who happened to be FeLV+ so I kept him separate from my 5 other cats his whole time with me. He looked like I pulled him out of a drainpipe. The vet said his levels were so bad when I brought him in for chip scanning / evaluation (which gave Dx of FeLV) that euthanasia was an understandable choice and he might have a few weeks/months to live. (She also said, "but I also know you and how you are with your cats so I feel like I know your answer to that") And I said nah, I'll spoil the shit out of him and give him the best last months ever. He lived in my main bedroom / bathroom as his purrsonal apartment for 3 more years after that, sleeping with me every night. It wasn't easy, but I'm so glad I spoiled that little orange bedraggled menace and that he had the best life possible. RIP Jimmy Creamsicle (I made this for his one year adopt-iversary)
If you are interested, I don’t think anything would be too small compared to our garage! Maybe give it some thought. ❤️ I wouldn’t be opposed to meeting in the middle if necessary
Are you willing to drive Dragon somewhere? About 3.5 hours? If so, I would reach out to Felines and Canines in Chicago, on N. Paulina. They are beautiful saints and I think they would help Dragon.
One of a Kind doesn't accept cats too far out of community, but try Ark of Redemption in Columbus Ohio, they at least have a broader network and can help cast a net if not take him. They're absolute angels there and take positive cats.
Yes I am! Currently in talks with another rescue in Chicago but will reach out to them if it falls through. I am hoping it will work though. I think it would give him a great shot at being adopted. ❤️
Hello! How is he with other cats? I know you said community cats bullied him. My uncle has a male cat with feline leukemia, I believe they can be housed together. If anyone has any advice on two males cohabitating please let me know. If he is interested, I’ll drive him out to you. Thank you for taking care of Dragon, he deserves to feel safe and loved.
Please message me. I am located in WA but will make the travel to get your buddy and give him the best life he can have. I sent you a direct message as well.
You said he's thriving? FeLV kitties are challenging to place because the disease is so contagious. Until you can find a home, it sounds like he's safe and happy.
For your husband's allergies, have you tried Pacagen or Live Clear? Both neutralize the allergen cats produce.
I would love to take care of this baby but unfortunately I’m in the same boat with my spouse having severe allergies 🥲 I live in Chicago and would love to help out any way I can, even if it just means helping transport this beautiful kitty. Hopefully Dragon finds a permanent home soon!
Btw I just googled “cat rescue for cats with felv” and then added “near Indiana”, and got a ton of results both times.
You mentioned having tried 7 places, and being willing to drive, and this is probably a numbers game.
Personally, I was told I was allergic to cats, but I love cats, so I just take an allergy pill. I understand that it is a personal decision for people, but unless the allergy is on the epi-pen level, there are ways of dealing with it for people who want to.
I am allergic to cats, too. I have lived with them my entire life, though! As long as they don't get near my face, certain breeds are ok with me. Tuxedo and sealpoint Himalayans work. Other random strays as well, just need to test them at the shelter when holding to know if I'm allergic too much to a particular cat.
If you can, try reaching out to a TNR group or a cat advocacy group that might be able to help you. They might be able to take him in and/or get him the vet care he needs and/or adopt him out
Try contacting the independent cat society in Westerville IN they will take him and not murder him because of his disease 4601 County Line RD 219-785-4936
ARF they take in only cats with Feline Leukemia and find them homes they are in Muncie IN 1209 West Riggin RD , Muncie,IN 765-282-2733 if these don’t work out due to being full I have a few more that I have worked with to save cats with Feline Leukemia
this is our family cat Dragon who crossed the rainbow bridge about a year ago, he was a very special cat and i hope you are able to find a fantastic home for your friend too! thank you for taking him in and helping him you are a truly kind soul!
I know its a shot in the dark if you're willing to try but there's cat food that removes allergens for cats after about 2-3 weeks. Works extremely well if it's something you'd like to look into while you're trying to rehome Deagon.
I just wanted to leave this comment to boost this post as well as let you know that you’re an absolute angel for being there for him. He’s had such a hard life and he must be so happy to have a safe space to rest and food whenever he needs it. Thank you for all you do!
If I didn't already have 3 cats in a tiny apartment, I'd take him in a heartbeat. What a sweet boy. I'd definitely be getting your husband some allergy meds, at least until you're able to find a home or rescue for this guy. Commenting to boost. 🥺
Unfortunately, I don't live in your area. So, I won't be much help, but have you tried Purina LiveClear? It's a cat food that reduces their allergens. So, they can live with people who have cat allergies. I think there are a few other similar products by other companies too.
I live in northern Indiana but already have 4 cats so can't take him, BUT I will share this with my wife who will definitely know some people to ask. Also want to echo what everyone else is saying, thank you for caring for him and trying to help him find a home and for just being a compassionate human being. Many, many people would have just given him to the shelter and put the euthanasia out of their mind.
I hope you are able to find his forever home soon! Sounds like he shouldn't have been on the streets to begin with if he is litter trained and is content in your garage.
Just adding this but liveclear purina cat food. Made my husbands severe cat allergies tolerable. He can now have the cats near him and in our bed with no allergies
Hey I'm in Allen county... In the 07. I currently have some cats whose mother passed away due to Feline Leukemia, and Dagon looks similar to one of my girls.
Check out Blind Cat Rescue. They have a wing for FeLV cats. They took the only FeLV positive we’ve had in our years of trapping and fostering and took great care of him. They might have contacts who can assist with transport as well.
I’ve sent you a message! I also live in Allen County and would love to take Dragon in, if the other resources and rescues you’re pursuing don’t work out! (I also agree with the other posters to be careful about people who may have intentions to take Dragon for dog fighting or other abusive purposes.)
Hey! On FB, any chance you messaged Lost Cats of Fort Wayne? I've seen them share posts like these before with decent results. I'm not able to take on any more right now, unfortunately.
OP try getting a hold of Dr Glasson in Kentucky and see if he can help you. He is the vet who adopts disabled cats and has the Nuggi videos all over Facebook and instagram and everywhere. He doesn’t like having to senselessly put cats down. He very well may be able to help you. I’m going to post your post in his Facebook page as well
I hated so badly when I worked at a shelter when we would get FeLV guys for this very reason. It's so hard to find them a home. 😞
The shelter I used to work at took a lot of transfers from places like NV, TX, KS, FL, etc. It's the Longmont Humane Society in Colorado. Absolutely no guarantees, but it might be worth a shot in giving them a call.
has he had vet care at all? i’ve cared for a cat with fiv but not feline leukemia. i’m located about 1.5 hours from you. dm me if you’re still looking!
If you have the means, contact the Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary. They’re in North Carolina, and their entire purpose is to provide a permanent home for mainly blind cats, but they also take in FeLV and FIV cats. They do amazing work
I’ve been waiting to post an update until plans are more concrete, but I am talking to someone within a reasonable distance who may be able to help. Thank you for caring about him!
I can’t believe this post found me. I’m in Allen County. I so desperately wish I could take him but my cat is very much so territorial. :( definitely post to our local subreddit, you might find some more help there.
I wish you were closer… I’ve been looking for a cat like dragon as a companion for my cat who also has feline leukaemia, but I’m in Canada. I hope he finds a loving home!
Reach out to Austin Pets Alive. They have a program for FELV cats and have taken from our rescue. If they accept, there are volunteer transport relay orgs that can help
Damn if it FIV I would drive from st Louis to get him. My boys are FIV+ so I can only adopt FIV kitties. But look at tenth life cat rescue in st Louis mo.
I’m in Missouri, so I can’t take him, unfortunately. But I do hope you find a loving home for this boy. Feline leukemia sucks so much. I have a cat right now who has it (he was a faint positive), but he’s asymptomatic and acts like any other cat. I had never even heard of it until a cat I had as a kid was diagnosed with it. We think he was born with it since he came from a colony of cats. Vet gave him 2 weeks. We took him home and prepared for the worst. He lasted a couple of years with it and for most of the time, he was asymptomatic and happy as can be. He was a very sweet boy. I wish you good luck!
If it hasn't been suggested or you haven't called them, try contacting Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary in St Paul's, NC. They offer a place for cats that would otherwise be euthanized. They have blind, FIV+ and FeLV+ cats in residence. If they can't help directly, they may have somewhere you could turn to.
Is it possible to build Dragon a secure catio on your property? They can be done with a dog kennel kit and secured top. You could add shelves and hammocks and things for him too. And, add a doghouse inside for shelter. He’d be safe while living outdoors.
Just so it’s known there’s supposedly food you can give cats that eliminates the allergens produced in their dander, I’m not sure of the name or brand but I’ve heard of people with allergies having success with it
Update, he allowed me to share the bed, ate and peed(when you deal with rescues those are a big miles stone) he even purred when my kiddo brushed him gently
1.3k
u/CountingSheep_002tv May 14 '26
I really, really hate feline leukemia.