Our Programs

FIV is a lentivirus, a slow-progressing virus that can compromise a cat’s immune system, reducing its ability to fight off illnesses.

FIV is a rare virus affecting an estimated 2-3% of cats in the U.S. and 3-4% worldwide. For healthy, domesticated, indoor cats, the percentage is even lower.

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The virus has a long latent period then progresses so slowly that it may never affect a cat. That’s why long-term studies show what guardians and rescuers have known for decades—that FIV cats can live just as long and as healthy, and ultimately die of the same causes as Non-FIV cats. And, FIV cats can live with Non-FIV cats without spreading the virus.

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Here at Rustic Hollow, we take in FIV+ cats that otherwise would be euthanized only due to the amount of care that they need.

Rustic Hollow takes in felines with neurological issues. Most prevalently, we care for cats with Cerebellar hypoplasia.

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Cerebellar hypoplasia, sometimes called wobbly cat syndrome, is a congenital condition in cats that is neither contagious nor progressive.

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CH affects the cerebellum of cats, which is the area of the brain that controls fine motor movement, balance and coordination. Cats with CH often have noticeable symptoms from birth, which range from mild signs of head bobbing and high stepping to more severe signs like tremors and the inability to walk. 

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A common misconception is that these cats may be in pain. Cats and kittens with CH can lead a very normal, happy, and healthy life. It does not affect their life expectancy and many adapt exceedingly well to their disability, especially with accommodations we provide our felines.

We offer sanctuary to felines displaced at the death of their guardian. Families who cannot care for their loved one's cats can feel relief in knowing there is a secure option for these cats to receive the attention and care they need.

This program was created to provide you a safety net for your pet's future and security and peace of mind in knowing your companion animal(s) will be cared for in a loving environment in the event of your death or inability to provide care for your pets. Our Safety Net Program is to ensure that your wishes for your pet's future are respected if something would happen to you unexpectedly, or upon your death in the future. Request more information via email if interested in this program.

FeLV is a retrovirus that compromises a cat’s immune system. It is a feline-only virus that cannot be transmitted to humans.

Cats who test positive for FeLV can live for many years without serious symptoms.

A positive FeLV test result SHOULD NOT be a death sentence, and we at Rustic Hollow want to create a sanctuary for FeLV+ felines who would otherwise be euthanized.

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For Feline Leukemia requests for intakes, we ask that a second PCR test be given to assure the cat is truly positive.

IF the cat is friendly and does not have other behavioral issues, we ask that the cat be posted on our Facebook page and we will share the post to rescue groups who adopt out FeLV+ cats as well as to people we know in rescue who we trust to help fine a home. 

It is our belief that a sanctuary is to be there for cats deemed 'adoption challenged' who have issues that make it hard for them to find a caring home. 

Cats with behavioral issues and or disabilities statistically less-likely to be adopted. It is our goal to provide a space for them to thrive instead of being euthanized.

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We also offer behavioral counseling to families who want to keep their cat but need to resolve issues they are having with their companion animal. 

Conservation is also a part of our mission. The sanctuary is a release site for rehabilitated wildlife who enjoy the creeks, marshland, and woodlands.

We act as a release site for rehabilitated raptors and other animals.

It is not uncommon to see the raccoons and opossums enjoying supper on our deck as we feed several of them to keep them from bothering other wildlife.