Stew Johnson is the perfect example that our differences are what make us special. If you ask Stew, he is the most special of all the special boys, and there is no telling him otherwise. Stew knows how to make a first impression, first with his visual appearance in his large stature, positively pinch-worthy cheeks and his cloudy left eye that seems to stare through you rather than at you. Then you get his full personality. He is an expert in putting up the front of a grumpy Gus, sizing you up and letting you know he can have a 'tude and he isn't afraid to use it. Then, if you pass this test, he shows you his true colors that lie past all the bluster. He will only show you how sweet and wonderful he is if you take the time to earn it from him. He will show you that his time on the streets and his FIV+ status haven't hardened him. Stew's opinion stands that he is an excellent judge of character, and frankly, we have to agree with him. Stew is at Princeton's Meow and can be seen during open hours. We recommend you get preapproved before visiting so you can take home your new friend the same day. To begin the preapproval process please complete our online application found at: https://form.jotform.com/221156938633157

Here are the simple facts about FIV:
FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) is a feline only illness and cannot be passed on to humans or canines. Kitties with this condition can live long and wonderful lives if kept indoors, spayed/neutered (which this kitty is) and fed a good quality diet. They can live easily with other kitties who do not have FIV as long as everyone is spayed/neutered and gets along with other kitties. There is no reason not to consider a kitty with this condition for a pet, regardless of who you have at home.

FIV is a retrovirus that occurs worldwide, and virologists classify FIV in the same retroviridae family as FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus), but with one major difference: FIV is considered to be in the lentivirus. This type of virus is a slow virus that affects a cat’s immune system over a period of years. FIV cats most often live long, healthy, and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all. FIV is not easily passed between cats; it CANNOT be spread casually. An altered FIV cat, in a home, is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, if properly introduced.

1) The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a slow virus that affects a cat's immune system over a period of years.
2) FIV is a cat-only disease and cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.
3) FIV cats most often live long, healthy, and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all.
4) FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread casually - like in litter boxes, water and food bowls, or when snuggling and playing. It is rarely spread from a mother to her kittens.
5) The virus can be spread through blood transfusions, badly infected gums, or serious, penetrating bite wounds. (Bite wounds of this kind are extremely rare, except in free-roaming, un-neutered tomcats.)
6) A neutered cat, in a home, is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, if properly introduced.
7) FIV-positive cats should be kept as healthy as possible. Keep them indoors and free from stress, feed them a high-quality diet, keep and treat any secondary problems as soon as they arise.