Information about FIV(Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) In general terms, an FIV positive cat is healthy and happy and living a full (but protected) life. We know that FIV is a much misunderstood virus, which leads to many otherwise healthy cats being euthanased - in our view, unneccessarily. The FIV virus reduces a cat's immune system, and leaves it more vulnerable to other feline infections, that is all - in itself is not life threatening. FIV CANNOT be transmitted to humans The numbers of cats with FIV, mostly undetected, is almost certainly enormous. We feel that the problem is exacerbated by a general lack of understanding, and, by trying to dispel the myths, we aim to spread a change of attitude towards the sufferers. In our experience, FIV positive cats can have, and deserve to have, a long and healthy life. They need careful attention to their general health and diet, and protection through currently available vaccinations against flu and leukaemia are essential. But this is no more than any cat should receive. A properly cared for FIV cat need not have a shortened life expectancy. The effectiveness of all cats' immune systems reduce with age. Not many would recommend euthanasia just because a cat is getting elderly, so why so with FIV? The main problem is that the virus can be transmitted to other cats (only cats - no other species). In the vast majority of cases, it is transmitted through biting. Cats fight for three main reasons: food, territory and mating. By providing a regular food supply and neutering, the need to fight is dramatically reduced, making the transmission of FIV far less likely. We believe that euthanasia of FIV cats is a vast over reaction.
Shelter From The Storm
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