Update - February 2026
February started well with Luna, Storm, Jenna, Daisy and Trigger all being homed. Shortly after Lyric found a new home and Peggy went to her new home in Wiltshire!
You won’t be surprised to know that we’ve recently had several new residents.
Jasmine, a 5 year old Tabby, Roxy, a 9 year old female whose owners decided they preferred dogs and a black and white stray called Bobby. Lovely big, fluffy Oscar, a stray from the Waterfront Merry Hill, has also joined us. Sadly he has tested FIV positive along with Wilf, another fluffy black and white boy.
Unfortunately we have 4 FIV cats but they’re all healthy and can be homed either on their own or with other FIV cats. Please see our information on FIV/ FELV cats below.
Thank you, as always to our supporters.
A special thanks to those of you who use Easyfundraising, we’ve just received a payment from them of £218, which is a great help to us. Keep shopping everyone! If you’re not signed up just google easyfundraising and put Stour Valley Cat Rescue as your chosen cause, it is very easy and of no cost to you.
We’ve also received a generous donation of cat food from the Aashiana charity which was fantastic. This is the third year they’ve supported us and we are very grateful. Thank you Aashiana.
We continue to work hard to raise funds.
Please join us at our next 2 fundraisers.
Saturday March 7th Spring Fundraiser at Wollaston Village Hall 2.15pm entry £1
Friday 17th April Quiz Night, Amblecote British Legion 7.30pm entry £5
See our events page for more information.
Many thanks everyone 😻😻😻
FIV / FELV cats
Some of our cats unfortunately have FIV/FELV but we try to reassure potential adopters that it is entirely safe for humans, dogs, and other non-feline pets to own cats with FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus). These viruses are species-specific, meaning they cannot be transmitted to humans.
While a positive diagnosis is not a death sentence, it does require a commitment to specific, long-term management to ensure a good quality of life for the cat, especially if the cat is white (due to higher sensitivity to sun-related issues, though this is not directly related to the virus).
Here is a breakdown of what you need to know:
1. Understanding the Risks
Safety to Humans/Other Species: Zero risk. Humans cannot catch FIV or FeLV.
Safety to Other Cats:
FIV: Relatively low risk. Spreads mainly through deep bite wounds (fighting). FIV+ cats can live with negative cats if they are neutered and peaceful.
FeLV: High risk. Highly contagious, spreading through casual contact like grooming, sharing food bowls, and litter boxes. FeLV+ cats should only live with other FeLV+ cats.
Outlook: Many FIV/FeLV cats can live long, comfortable, and happy lives, particularly if diagnosed early and kept as indoor-only cats.
2. Caring for a Positive Cat
Keep Them Indoors: This protects your cat from catching secondary infections and keeps other cats safe.
Veterinary Care: Regular, frequent check-ups (ideally every 6 months) are essential to catch secondary infections early.
Parasite & Dental Care: Strict, regular flea/worm control and good dental hygiene are crucial.
Diet: Do not feed raw food or unpasteurized dairy, as these can carry bacteria that are dangerous to immunocompromised cats.
Environment: Minimize stress, as it can lower their immune system.