Big Daddy - A Big Love of a Cat

Big Daddy

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Susan Daffron talks to Amanda Casazza, the Alley Cat Allies (ACA) Atlantic City Fieldwork Coordinator about a cat named Big Daddy. This plus sized tuxedo kitty is a real "lover" who likes to snuggle up with people. He was found living along the Atlantic City Boardwalk by Alley Cat Allies volunteers, and was so friendly the group decided to put him up for adoption. For many years, ACA has had a Trap-Neuter-Return program for feral cats along the boardwalk, and also have placed adoptable cats in new loving homes. Because of his social nature Big Daddy was placed in foster care, where he is greatly enjoying indoor kitty life. Big Daddy does have a couple of medical issues that a new owner will need to understand.

The first is that he has a hematoma in his ear, which needs to be cleaned a couple times a week. However, Big Daddy is incredibly good about the process and just sits in your lap while you clean his ear, so the process is easy. The second thing is that Big Daddy is FIV positive. FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, which is a slowly progressing virus that affects a cat's immune system. It is not transmissible to humans and can only be passed to other cats through blood transfusions or serious, penetrating bite wounds. Contrary to rumors, cats with FIV can live long, healthy lives and share their homes with other cats, as long as the cats get along and don't fight. If his new owners work with their veterinarian to keep him healthy, Big Daddy can be a loving companion for many years to come.

Questions or Comments? Send them to: SusanD@petliferadio.com.