Mozart has reached day 652 living at our shelter. When he arrived, he showed us so much personality. He’s a spunky cat who just loves attention. In getting Mozart prepared for adoption, we did some blood work and found out that he was Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) positive. We believe that this is the reason he is still with us today. We understand that FIV may sound scary, but they can still live very long and healthy lives.

FIV weakens a cat’s immune system, making it more susceptible to infections and other health problems. There are ways to avoid these problems, such as keeping them indoors and giving them a higher-quality diet. FIV is spread through saliva primarily from bites. It cannot be spread to humans or dogs only to cats. FIV-positive cats can live with other cats, as long as they are friendly and Mozart has shown that he can be friendly with other cats.

But we have learned that Mozart is not a fan of dogs. We need adopters to understand that he is so full of life. He will keep you company at all times, and cheer you up when you’re feeling sad. Mozart will be your best friend.

Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills is a no-kill, non-profit shelter and adoption center for cats and dogs, and the holding area for stray dogs for 12 towns in Oxford County. The shelter is located at 9 Swallow Road in Paris. Those interested in adopting a pet from RPC can visit the shelter on Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Most of the adoptable pets and the adoption application can be found online on the shelter’s website at www.responsiblepetcare.org.

Responsible Pet Care operates a thrift shop called Pawsibilities. It is located at 132 Waterford Road in Norway and is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations of clean, usable household items are accepted during shop hours. Money raised at Pawsibilities supports RPC. For answers to questions about adopting or fostering a pet, or to find out about a lost animal, call RPC after noon at 743-8679.