PET OF THE WEEK: You Might Flip for This Two-Year-Old Red Tabby

The staff at in Houghton are “all over the moon” for Flip, a lovable two-year-old stray tabby found foraging in dumpsters, says shelter volunteer Marilyn Hendrickson.

He’s a big boy, but so eager for lovin’ he flips over on his back when petted, rolling side to side happily and gently pawing. That’s how he earned his name.

When he arrived at MEOW, the staff began a comprehensive list of “intake” tests and procedures. Flip was vaccinated, dewormed, brushed, flea-treated, micro-chipped, and tested for feline aids virus (FIV) and leukemia. It was discovered that Flip has FIV+, meaning he has the FIV antibody present in his body.

However, he is completely asymptomatic and otherwise as healthy as can be.

FIV, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is similar to the virus that causes AIDS in humans. But it can't be spread from one species to another. People cannot catch it. The biggest misconception about FIV cats is that they cannot lead a healthy life. Cats with the condition can and do live long, happy, healthy lives.

It is important to keep them up-to-date with their vaccines, feed them a high-quality diet and seek veterinary treatment at the first sign of illness. FIV cannot be transmitted casually to other cats, such as through shared food and water dishes and litter boxes.

Flip will probably do best in a home as an only cat. He does just fine with older children, but how he would react to a dog is not known. He had complete dental cleaning in February.

If you are interested in giving Flip a home, see www.meowcatrescue.org or call 425-822-6369.