Tinsel and Bauble arrived at Cats Protection’s Tyneside Adoption Centre before Christmas, and are now the centres longest stay cats.

The pair were discovered living with a large number of other cats in a caravan and had not had much human contact.

Because of this they were both extremely timid, but staff and volunteers at the centre have been working hard to socialise them and prepare them for a new home.

Tinsel and Bauble have had a few health issues, including eye operations to repair bilateral Entropion, from which they have now made a full recovery.

They also have Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and although they remain healthy it does mean they have to be rehomed as indoor cats. FIV is a virus in cats that is similar to the human virus HIV, however, FIV does not infect humans.

FIV-positive cats and kittens can make fabulous indoor pets and the Tyneside Adoption Centre is keen to point out that they have plenty to offer to a new owner.

“FIV-positive cats can make fabulous companions as they remain indoors close to their owner and are particularly suited to flats and houses without gardens,” explained Deputy Centre Manager Lysa Dobson. “FIV-positive cats can lead normal lives and remain healthy for many years.

“They're still quite timid with new people but really lovely boy. They are such a loving and bonded pair who have really came on in leaps and bounds.

“They do have to find a special new owner to offer an indoor only home, firstly for their FIV status but also with their history of being indoor cats with timid temperaments. They could be such a rewarding addition to a new family.”

Keeping FIV positive cats indoors, which also reduces their risk of spreading infection to other cats, lowers their chance of succumbing to other infectious diseases, to which they may be more susceptible. As medical advances are made, FIV-positive cats can now have longer lifespans than previously expected.

If you can offer Tinsel and Bauble a home then please call 0191 6531052 or visit https://www.cats.org.uk/tyneside for more information.

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