Oak and Birch are slow to warm up to new people but once you gain their trust, they welcome pets. Birch will even wind himself between your legs until you crouch down to pet him. Oak especially loves chin scratches. They’re both treat motivated and will run over when they hear the treat bag. You’ll never find these brothers far apart, if they aren’t naming together you’ll find them chasing after one another or playing with their catnip toys. Oak and Birch are startled by fast movements and loud noises and are best suited to an adult-only home or a home with teen-aged children who have previous experience with cats. They will need a quiet and calm environment with adopters who are willing to continue his socialization.

Medical Considerations:

Oak and Birch are currently on a medical hold due to dental health concerns; an adoption application can be submitted to reserve them. Oak and Birch also have Feline Coronavirus (FCoV). FCov is a common virus in cats. Generally, it presents as an asymptomatic infection, but can cause upper respiratory issues, and diarrhea which they have experienced intermittently. There is no cure for FCoV, only supportive care can be provided to treat symptoms as they arise such as specialty diets, probiotic supplements and/or antibiotics.

FCoV itself does not cause serious illness but it can undergo a genetic mutation in some cats and become a very serious virus called Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). FIP results from the distinctive occurrence of a mutation of FCoV within a genetically susceptible cat with a particular immune response. This mutated virus is cell-associated and thus is not commonly transmitted directly from one cat to another. FIP generally develops within a few weeks to 18 months after infection with FCoV, often following a stressor. Due to the contagious nature of FCoV they would likely transmit it to any cat they may share a home with. While cats can live long healthy lives with the virus and can go a long period of time being asymptomatic, sadly, there is no way of knowing whether or not it will mutate into FIP. A prospective adopter would need to be prepared for the potentially elevated cost of caring for a cat with such a virus as they may require more frequent veterinary visits and use of antibiotics and/or speciality diets to treat symptoms.

The Avery Foundation is a foster-based and volunteer-run rescue. Every TAF rescue cat is vet checked, vaccinated, treated for parasites, spay/neutered, microchipped and receive any necessary additional medical care.

Our adoption process involves an application, reference check, interview, and home visit prior to placement. From the time we receive your application through the screening process adoptions can take a couple weeks. We thank everyone who takes the time to apply but only those who best fit the cat’s requirements will be contacted.

If you’re interested in adopting Oak and Birch, please apply online at: https://www.theaveryfoundation.ca/adoption/adoption-application/cats/ or to learn more about them and their health send us a message.