FeLV and FIV Positive
Gender: Male
Approximate age: 4 years old
Arrived From: Miami County, Ohio
Arrival Day: July 20, 2024
Schnapps
Schnapps was an owner surrender to the previous rescue.
He is a big teddy bear that is a a little timid. We have fallen in
love with his massive noggin and his silent meows! On arrival
to BCR he was second in line for the catnip bed. He rolled in it
for at least 10 minutes before Kachina wanted a turn!
How did he come to BCR?
Animal control officers discovered 119 cats living in
extremely unsanitary and overcrowded conditions at a
Maimi County, Ohio sanctuary. A statement from Animal
Control indicated that many of the cats were suffering
from serious upper respiratory infections. Following
multiple volunteer complaints, authorities executed a
search warrant, leading to the removal of 43 cats. These
cats are now receiving care at the Miami County Animal
Shelter. Volunteers described the sanctuary as having
filthy conditions, mice infestations, inadequately sized
cages, poor air ventilation, strong odors, and many
untreated medical issues. We received an urgent plea
from a woman who specializes in adopting FeLV-positive
cats. She was distressed because she couldn't collect her
newly adopted cat after the rescue was raided. Out of the
43 cats removed, the 17 with FeLV were left behind.
Miami County Animal Control, despite being a no-kill
facility, having FIV, FeLV, or those who are blind do not
warrant a chance at life. These cats faced an uncertain
future and urgently needed placement. While we were
already at capacity in our facility in North Carolina, we
couldn't ignore their plight. We promptly contacted the
State Agriculture Department to request a modification
to our license so that we could assist. Once approved,
we mobilized our team to prepare room 1 in house 1 for
the arrival of these 12 new cats — the largest intake
we've ever undertaken at once! Our Director and
Shelter Manager wasted no time and drove all the way
to Ohio to save their lives. They made the round
trip in just 29 hours, demonstrating incredible
dedication. While the cats were well-fed, they did
require medical attention, which our team was prepared
to provide. Upon arrival at Blind Cat Rescue, it was
heartwarming to see them quickly settle in, making
themselves at home within 30 minutes after a long
9-hour drive. Immediately after unloading
everyone into their new room, the comfort, peace, and
curiosity that they all had for their new home brought
tears to our eyes. Watching them go straight for the
catnip and a nice spot on the kuranda, solidified in our
hearts that we knew, without a doubt, we had done
the right thing.
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5/23/2026
Dear Supporters,
This is not a letter I ever thought I would have to write,
and I sincerely apologize for not informing you sooner.
Last night, we had to say goodbye to our beloved
Schnapps.
Schnapps recently underwent a dental procedure where
several teeth were removed, including one that had a
significant infection. Because many of our cats are
FeLV+ and FIV+, we routinely start antibiotics before
dental procedures since healing can be much harder on
their immune systems. We also knew Schnapps had a
heart murmur, which always makes anesthesia and
surgery more risky, but he initially came home and
seemed to be recovering as expected.
Yesterday, however, we noticed he was not eating well
and that his gums had become very pale. We rushed him
to the emergency veterinarian, hoping supportive care,
fluids, and stronger antibiotics would help him recover.
Unfortunately, it quickly became clear that Schnapps
faced a heartbreaking combination of complications that
his body could not overcome.
The infection from his tooth, the strain anesthesia placed
on his heart, and the reality of being both FeLV+ and
FIV+ created what the veterinarians described as a
“perfect storm.” His immune system began attacking his
own red blood cells, causing severe non-regenerative
anemia. Because of his condition, he was not stable
enough to undergo additional surgery or aggressive
procedures. If there had been only one issue, we might
have had options, but the combined odds were
insurmountable. As difficult as it was, we made the
compassionate decision to let him go peacefully.
FeLV is such a cruel disease, and sometimes, despite
every precaution, every medication, and every ounce of
love we pour into them, it still wins.
Schnapps brought so much joy to all of us during his time
here after arriving from Ohio. We will never forget his
hilarious Churu antics and how he would grab onto your
hand so you could not share treats with the other cats. He
had a distinguished, gentlemanly pose and a charming
personality that instantly made everyone fall in love with
him. Watching him grow comfortable, loved, and spoiled
here at the sanctuary was truly special.
While this outcome is rare, especially with all the
precautions we take, it serves as a painful reminder of
how fragile FeLV+ cats, especially double-positive cats,
can be. Please know that Schnapps was deeply loved
every single day of his life here, and because of your
support, he knew safety, comfort, medical care, and
unconditional love.
Thank you for loving Schnapps alongside us. We are
heartbroken to say goodbye, but we are grateful he never
had to face hardship or suffering alone again.
With love and gratitude,
Sam