AN appeal was this week issued by the Hatherleigh and Okehampton branch of the Cats? Protection League, which needs to find a home for a cat with special needs.
Rocky, a black and white three-year-old cat, suffers from the feline immuno-deficiency virus.
The League?s Joan Hutchison said: ?It?s very similar to the human Aids virus but people can?t catch it. It affects the immune system, therefore we really need to find him a home where he will be living indoors, as the only cat.?
Joan said the virus is generally caught through fighting with another infected cat ? and in Rocky?s case, he appears to have come off the loser.
?We paid about £350 in vet?s bills for him, all the side of his face had been stripped away.
?He?s a lovely cat, very big and solid, with a nice nature. He?s used to dogs, he?s very gentle and laid back ? he?s a real pipe and slippers boy!?
Joan said Rocky needs to be kept inside, as his deficient immune system is vulnerable to bugs. He could also infect other cats which came into conflict with him, although he is not a fighter.
Rocky could live for many years with no ill effects from the virus ? but the Cats? Protection League will pay vets bills for any problems related to it in future.
Anyone who feels they could give Rocky a good home should call Joan Hutchison on 01837 840610.