09/03/2026
We were recently contacted by an incredibly kind individual who had been feeding a friendly stray and ultimately chose to take her in. After having some preliminary vetting done, he found that his new cat was not only pregnant, but positive for both FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and FeLV (feline leukemia).
We previously shared the reality of a cat being “double positive”, and in this instance it was imperative that this girl be spayed as soon as possible given her condition. Unfortunately pregnant cats that are leukemia positive will often transmit the virus to the forming kittens in utero, or while nursing. Kittens that are infected at such a young age are often afflicted with the progressive form of the virus and will either succumb to the results of the leukemia itself, or develop ultimately fatal secondary complications.
We understand that spay abort, as it is referred to, is a controversial subject for many. And in situations such as this one it may be easier to accept. But the reality is that it has truly become necessary. The current homeless cat population has reached staggering heights, shelters and rescues alike are constantly functioning at critical capacity and adoptions have slowed significantly.
While reality is not always ideal, Petey (as she is now known), is not at any additional risk that she frankly could not sustain given her double positive status. And unnecessary suffering has been avoided. We are so pleased that Petey has a new loving home and were more than happy to help ensure that she is as healthy as she can be 💜
*Please note that these spays are done humanely and neither the pregnant cat nor the fetuses suffer in any way
