Billy Bob
FeLV Positive
Gender: Male
Approximate age: 13 years old (As of 2024)
Arrived From: Siler City, NC
Arrival Day: 2-27-24
Billy Bob’s whole life has been turned upside down the last few months.
Both of his loved ones and caretakers had passed within weeks of each other.
They have been all he has known for the last 13 years. A very kind lady who
was friends with his owners stepped in and took care of the cats and began to
find homes for all 15 cats. All of the cats were very well loved and taken care of.
Billy came with 60 pages of vet paperwork. He was the only one to test PCR
positive for FeLV. It is very rare to have a 13 year old to be positive so more
than likely he was exposed to it later in life. What’s even more strange
that he was the only one to be positive out of all his companions.
He is adjusting, he has lost everything and is very timid. Billy has already seen
the vet and is in overall great health. He is hypertensive and has spondylosis
which is being treated with proper medication.
He has made friends with Han Solo and are each others comfort in quarantine.
We are taking things slow and building their trust before moving into a
main room.
Sponsored by Brent and Carol - Thank you!
Sponsored by Sara - Thank you!
Sponsored by Barbara -Thank You!
Sponsored by Bhavana - Thank you!
Sponsored by Jen - Thank you!
Sponsored by Nina - Thank you!
Sponsored by Katrina - Thank you!
Sponsored by Sara - Thank you!
Sponsored by Patrick - Thank you!
Sponsored by Mark- Thank you!
Sponsored by Margaret - Thank you!
Sponsored by Robert - Thank you!
Sponsored by Susan - Thank you!
Sponsored by Marla - Thank you!
Sponsored by Nancy - Thank you!
Sponsored by Virginia- Thank you!
8/8/2025
Dear Supporters,
It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news that Billy Bob has crossed
the Rainbow Bridge.
Last night, we made the incredibly difficult decision to help Billy pass peacefully,
surrounded by love, care, and dignity. Over the past few days, his health took a sudden
and rapid decline. Though we had just taken him to the vet on July 16th due to frequent
hairballs and some subtle changes in behavior, his exam and bloodwork showed only
mild kidney disease. He spent the night at the clinic as a precaution, receiving fluids and
anti-nausea medications, and returned the next day in stable condition.
However, just two weeks later, his condition changed drastically. On Wednesday, he
stopped eating, something very uncharacteristic for our sweet Billy, who had always been
a joyful and enthusiastic eater. We had new bloodwork done, and when the results came
in yesterday, it was clear that his body was failing him.
After thoughtful discussion with our veterinary team and a quiet moment of reflection
with Billy, we made the compassionate decision to let him go. Though our hearts ache,
we knew it was time, and at BCR, we firmly believe in giving our cats the gift of dignity
and peace when that time comes.
Because of you, Billy Bob had an extra year and a half of life, a life filled with safety,
sunshine, and love. He arrived at BCR on February 27, 2024, after losing everything he'd
ever known, his beloved family, his home, and his sense of security. He was 13 years old,
FeLV and FIV positive, and understandably heartbroken and afraid.
But slowly, gently, with patience and love, and a little help from Churu and his
quarantine buddy Han Solo, Billy began to trust again. He rediscovered the joy of head
pats, the warmth of companionship, and the comfort of his favorite Kuranda bed in the
sun.
We’ll never forget the way he’d stick his tongue out at us with a quiet sass, the pure bliss
on his face at snack time, or the calm confidence he carried once he began to feel safe
again.
Billy Bob’s journey was not an easy one, but because of you, it was meaningful,
dignified, and full of love. You gave him time he never would have had otherwise. And in
that time, he learned that even after great loss, healing and joy are possible.
From all of us at BCR, thank you for being part of Billy Bob’s story. He was deeply
loved, and he will be deeply missed.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Sam