Garfield and Mimi ride off into the sunset….together.
After news of their love story spread throughout Portland, the customer care staff at OHS was determined to find them a home together.
Happily, a wonderful family met them on Saturday and were smitten. Garfield and Mimi are now enjoying life as beloved pets.
Happy Tails!
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Romance blossoms for two felines at OHS
Theirs is a love story for the ages – the kind of romance that eclipses some of the most famous couples of our time. Garfield and Mimi were an unlikely pair, but their relationship blossomed in kennel E at the Oregon Humane Society.
Garfield is a rugged cat who savored his independence. He roamed the hills of Hawaii, commanding respect and breaking hearts. When a lava-spewing volcano started encroaching on his territory, he knew it was time to say hui huo, or goodbye. Thankfully the Hawaii Island Humane Society helped him catch a flight to the OHS.
Meanwhile, Mimi was living the Portlandia life – a sassy hipster who roamed the streets in search of a good meal and an authentic relationship. Life on the streets soon got old and she was glad to be out of the cold and on her way to OHS.
Although Garfield and Mimi were from different worlds, they shared a condition that was a reminder of their life on the run. Both cats were FIV+, meaning they both carried a virus that is transmitted through bite wounds.
The animal care team decided to set them up on a blind date. Mimi was eager to snuggle, but Garfield was hesitant to let his guard down. Finally, Garfield succumbed to Mimi’s charm and their romance flourished. The OHS paparazzi soon heard about this Instagram-worthy power couple and the sounds of “awww” and camera clicks filled the shelter.
Although beloved at OHS, Garfield and Mimi are ready for bigger and better things. Are you the missing piece in this movie-worthy romance? Your home can be the “happily ever after” for Garfield and Mimi.
It’s understandable that potential adopters may have questions about FIV, so OHS veterinarian Dr. Emily Ferrell answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the condition.
What is FIV?
FIV stands for feline immunodeficiency virus. FIV is a virus that progresses very slowly, gradually affecting and weakening a cat’s immune system over a period of years.
How is FIV transmitted?
It is primarily transmitted from cat to cat through bite wounds. With this in mind, cats with FIV should be kept indoors only so they don’t encounter other cats outside.
Can FIV+ cats live with other cats?
They can with live other cats who do not have FIV if it is a peaceful relationship and does not involve fighting and/or biting. It is at an adopter’s discretion to decide if this is the right choice for their home as a bite wound from an FIV+ cat to a healthy cat will cause FIV.
Can FIV be transmitted to dogs?
It cannot be transmitted to dogs.
Do cats with FIV live shorter lives or have other health complications?
There is an expectation that their life will be shorter than a non-infected cat as they have an immune system deficiency, although the length varies from cat to cat. FIV causes them to be more susceptible to contracting other infections like upper respiratory infections. They may experience increasing and decreasing throughout their life span.
Can FIV be cured?
There is no cure. Management of FIV+ cats involves caring for them medically at times that they experience infections or other disease processes.
