Looking for a handsome hunk to add to your life? Look no further than Beefsteak being fostered in Carrboro, NC. We listed Beefy as special needs because of his FIV status. We debated back-and-forth whether this was really considered “special need, but we thought someone who has a FIV cat looking for a buddy might look in this category.. Beefy was a feral tomcat living with his kittens behind a veterinary clinic. He is not with our rescue, but we are helping this wonderful vet office find this deserving boy his very own home sweet furever home. When Beefy was trapped in November, his body showed just how hard his life had been. He had broken teeth, fleas, mycoplasma, anemia, and FIV—not to mention the numerous scars covering his body from life on the streets. Since then, Beefy has made an incredible transformation. He is now healthy, vaccinated (FVRCP and rabies), neutered, free of dental pain, and has completed treatment for mycoplasma. Most importantly, he is finally safe. From the very beginning, the woman fostering him has been working patiently to show Beefy that humans can be kind. Socializing a feral cat is not fast or easy, but it is deeply rewarding—and Beefy has already come so far. Beefy is still very shy. With time, patience, and understanding, we truly believe Beefy can blossom into a loving and affectionate companion. Underneath that tough, grumpy-boy exterior, is a silly lovebug who enjoys playing and getting head scritches. He has been introduced to female cats and seems to very much enjoy their company. He has not been introduced to male cats, aside from his kittens he lived with outdoors. Beefy recently started playing with toys and now he LOVES his toys. So heartwarming to watch him relax and have fun. FIV+ cats can live long, healthy lives. They can safely live with FIV- cats as long as there is no serious fighting. (We will put a link at the bottom of this post where you can learn more about FIV). Beefy is looking for a calm, compassionate home that will let him move at his own pace. He will need a safe, indoor space—ideally a room of his own initially—where he can decompress and learn that this new life is safe. He will require living in a home with at least one other cat that can show him the ropes. His foster mom has been using the Socialization Saves Lives method and strongly encourage adopters to continue with it. To help set him up for success, she will gladly send his playpen and supplies with him to ease his transition. Beefy’s foster home has dogs but they are mostly kept separate. He does not seem to mind the dogs who “bark a ton”, that does not phase him a bit. A home with kids who are respectful of a cat and their space and needs would be fine as well. Beefy may not be a “ready-made” lap cat, but for the right person, he will be a wonderful cat. If you believe in second chances and have room in your heart for a cat who just needs someone to believe in him, Beefy might be your perfect match. Learn more about the Socialization Saves Lives method here: https://www.socializationsaveslives.com/guide " Vintage Racers for Rescues will be screening applications for the vet clinic, so please use the application on our website, VintageRacersForRescues.com. *** YOU MAY NEED TO PRESS THE TAB BUTTON TO GET TO THE SUBMIT BUTTON ON OUR APPLICATION. We will get back to applicants for next steps. You can learn more about FIV in cats here: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv Beefy’s adoption fee is sponsored so there is no fee to adopt Beefy.