PetPlace
Meet Dwight-FIV+
Animal ID 53737325 
Species Cat 
Breed Domestic Shorthair/Mix 
Age 5 years 5 months 8 days 
Gender Male 
Size Medium 
Color Grey/White 
Spayed/Neutered  
Declawed No 
Housetrained Unknown 
Site Lakeland Animal Shelter 
Location Colony 
Intake Date 7/11/2023 
Dwight is a volunteer favorite here at LAS, and most visitors and adopters never get to know him. This big squishy handsome boy with an adorable face looks very timid and will even run away if people come up to him to quickly. But if you give him a chance and approach him very slowly, you will see an incredibly sweet and lovable boy. He loves pets and after he realizes you aren't going to hurt him, he just melts. Dwight primarily cowers on the highest self in the Teal adoption room where he lives with the shelter's population of FIV positive cats. Many people don't understand that FIV-positive cats can live long and healthy lives and never need any medication or vet care. Dwight is a hearty healthy boy who needs someone to give him a chance. He's been at the shelter a very long time. Even though he's a big boy, he seems to be afraid of the other cats, especially the more dominant and overbearing cats. Therefore, he may do better in a home on his own or with other very polite cats in a quieter environment. Please come meet this wonderful gentleman, just be sure to approach him very slowly so you won't scare this sweet boy.

**Like the other cats in the Teal Room, Dwight has tested positive for an immune system virus called FIV. He isn't sick and he can live a long and healthy life, but with a reduced immune system-it is essential that he never live outside. Testing positive for FIV does not mean the cat is sick - their immune system is reduced. FIV is transmitted only from cat to cat through blood, and cats who are positive can have long and healthy lives just like any other cat. Having a reduced immune system makes it vitally important that these cats never go outside. If an FIV positive cat were to get a cat "cold", adopters should consult with their vet, just in case they need an antibiotic to make sure their cold doesn't become something more serious.