Grey – Never a dull moment

When we met Grey, he was a young tomcat of about two years old. He was a prime example of how much bad luck an animal can have. His life had probably started as a normal house cat: he was wearing a faded red collar when he suddenly turned up in the garden of Meg and Frank.

A thorough search was made for Grey’s owners, but nobody came forward. Grey kept returning to the people he had chosen himself — Meg and Frank. With heavy hearts, they had to conclude that Grey had been abandoned by his owners.

The couple felt sorry for the thin, affectionate young cat who begged for affection. They knew immediately that they could not keep him, but they gave him everything they could: a safe place, water, food, love and veterinary care. Grey received his vaccinations, blood tests, and other checks. He basically had a full MOT: he was wormed, flea-treated, microchipped, and neutered as well.

Unfortunately, his blood test showed that Grey was FIV-positive, probably contracted during his time on the streets. He was neglected, dumped, and infected with FIV — how unlucky can you get? Still, with proper care, FIV-positive cats can live many years with a very good quality of life.

Grey hadn’t had much luck before but he struck gold when he wandered into Meg and Frank’s garden. It didn’t end there, he hit another jackpot: one of our team members welcomed him into their family! Even though FIV is contagious to other cats (not to humans, dogs or other pets), it takes mating or deep bite wounds to infect another cat. Of course, the introduction to the other cats was done carefully. Grey was neutered, very friendly to other cats and not at all interested in fighting.

Despite his hard life on the street, Grey was an big cuddlebug. He adored people and could never get enough cuddles and kisses. At night he would join his family, crawl under the duvet and fall asleep in their arms. Purring his little heart out.

Loved to the moon and back

There was never a dull moment with Grey around. He would playfully tease the other cats and dogs in the family, play hide-and-seek with his humans and make them turn the house upside down to find him and he frequently snuck into the basement to help himself to the dry food and treats… he certainly kept things interesting ;) He was an excellent office assistant too, although he did have a knack for falling asleep right in front of — or on — the keyboard ;-)

After two wonderful years, Grey died doing what he loved most: being out and about after a hot summer day. His mom last saw him well after midnight. Although he rarely stayed out, that night he really did not want to come in. He looked at her as if to say, “Mom, it’s lovely outside now and I am too busy enjoying myself. Stop shaking the treats and go to sleep.”

When he wasn’t waiting on the veranda for his breakfast the next morning, his family knew something wasn’t right. They quickly located him via his GPS tracker. Tragically, Grey had been hit by a car. Bad luck had struck one last time… The only consolation is that Grey was loved to the moon and back ever since he put his faith in Meg and Frank. Without them, it would have been a very different story for this boy.

To Meg and Frank: thank you for not letting Grey down. Your love and care for an abandoned FIV-positive cat, and your determination to find him a home, is truly heartwarming.

Lovely, funny, cuddlebug extraordinaire Grey may be gone, but he is not forgotten. Rest in peace, sweetheart.

Peace of mind

Had Grey not been wearing his GPS tracker, he would have never been found. However tragic, his family was thankful they were not left wondering what had happened to their beloved boy. Team Catland loves Tractive GPS trackers. We have been using them for our own pets for many years. If anything, they bring peace of mind.

We are so content with our trackers that we highly recommend them for your cat, dog… well, for almost any pet. If you purchase your Tractive GPS via a click on this link or the banner below, Catland receives an affiliate fee: a win-win! Thank you :-)