Willow and Cashew are a bonded pair born outdoors on a colony in Almonte who are looking for a patient adopter to continue their socialization journey. Willow is a gentle, docile cat who has discovered the joys of indoor life, including cozy beds, catnip toys, treats, and playtime. While she’s still unsure about being petted, she’s highly food and play motivated, making it easy to build trust with her over time. Cashew is a cautious yet curious petite cat. Although she prefers not to be approached, she has started seeking out her foster for affection on her own terms and especially enjoys chin scratches and butt rubs. These sweet girls are often found cuddling or playing together and rely on each other for comfort and confidence. They are best suited to a calm, quiet, adult-only home with an adopter who will give them the time and patience they need to continue blossoming.

Medical Considerations: Willow and Cashew 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 Willow and Cashew 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 Willow would likely transmit it to any cat she 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 Willow and Cashew, 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.