Marmalade, the FIV-Positive Rescue Cat, Dies at 13
Marmalade, the orange tabby who shared an internet-famous bond with his black friend Cole, died on October 10, 2026 at 13 years old, exactly five years after Cole’s passing. The family said he was at home, surrounded by love and being cuddled by Chris and Jess during his final moments. They described Cole as guiding Marmalade across the rainbow bridge at 7:12 pm.
Marmalade was welcomed into the Poole-Josephs home on July 1, 2013 after his original family could no longer keep him. He and Cole, who joined the family the previous year, quickly became inseparable and their adventures drew a large online following.
In 2014 Marmalade was diagnosed with cancer and tested positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). He underwent surgery to remove a tumor and received 12 chemotherapy treatments, after which he lived many more years with his family. His long life demonstrated that an FIV diagnosis does not automatically prevent a cat from enjoying companionship, play, and affection.
Marmalade’s story has been cited as a challenge to misconceptions about FIV-positive cats and as an example of the impact of rescuing animals.
Key takeaways
- Marmalade died on October 10, 2026 at age 13, five years after Cole.
- He was rescued in 2013 and lived with Chris and Jess.
- In 2014 he was diagnosed with cancer and FIV, underwent surgery and 12 chemo sessions.
- His long life showed that FIV does not preclude a happy, active life.
- The pair’s online presence highlighted the value of rescuing animals.
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Originally reported by iHeartCats. Read the full article.
Cover photo by Sevde Altıntaş via Pexels.
