herbi
02-20-2003, 08:26 PM
Hey-- this issue comes up at the shelter where I work on a semi-regular basis, and I just realized I could perhaps spread the word to a much wider audience by tellin' y'all about it.
If you have always wanted to live with one or more (INDOOR ONLY) cats but don't have any yet, perhaps you can consider adopting a FeLV or FIV positive kitty? FeLV = Feline Leukemia Virus, and FIV = Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (sometimes aka "kitty AIDS"). Both are contagious (though not highly so like a respiratory infection-- it usually takes a bite to spread from one cat to another, though sharing a food dish is also considered a risk) and incurable. There is an FeLV vaccine, but it is only 75-80% effective. Both are considered "ultimately fatal" diseases, BUT, many cats live happily for years and years after being diagnosed (via blood test) with absolutely no symptoms.
Unfortunately, even young friendly healthy-seeming cats are often doomed to an early death via euthanasia when either of these viruses is detected, whether they are showing symptoms or not. It is extremely difficult to find a home filled with people who can be trusted to: 1) keep the cat strictly indoors, so he/she doesn't spread the disease to the local stray population (and for the good of the cat!), and 2) keep a watchful eye on the cat's health so he/she doesn't suffer a sad lingering death if/when the disease kicks in and shuts down the immune system. Most homes like that are already at carrying capacity with healthy cats, and it is debatable whether or not it is ethical to bring a known carrier into such a situation.
ANYWAY, if you can fulfill those unusual requirements, and you have room in your life for one or more special kitties who may have shorter-than-average lifespans &/or higher-than-average veterinary bills, PLEASE contact your local shelter, rescue organization, or vet's office, because I guarantee someone in your community is desperately looking for you!!! OK, this concludes the PSA for today... Thanks guys! :)
If you have always wanted to live with one or more (INDOOR ONLY) cats but don't have any yet, perhaps you can consider adopting a FeLV or FIV positive kitty? FeLV = Feline Leukemia Virus, and FIV = Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (sometimes aka "kitty AIDS"). Both are contagious (though not highly so like a respiratory infection-- it usually takes a bite to spread from one cat to another, though sharing a food dish is also considered a risk) and incurable. There is an FeLV vaccine, but it is only 75-80% effective. Both are considered "ultimately fatal" diseases, BUT, many cats live happily for years and years after being diagnosed (via blood test) with absolutely no symptoms.
Unfortunately, even young friendly healthy-seeming cats are often doomed to an early death via euthanasia when either of these viruses is detected, whether they are showing symptoms or not. It is extremely difficult to find a home filled with people who can be trusted to: 1) keep the cat strictly indoors, so he/she doesn't spread the disease to the local stray population (and for the good of the cat!), and 2) keep a watchful eye on the cat's health so he/she doesn't suffer a sad lingering death if/when the disease kicks in and shuts down the immune system. Most homes like that are already at carrying capacity with healthy cats, and it is debatable whether or not it is ethical to bring a known carrier into such a situation.
ANYWAY, if you can fulfill those unusual requirements, and you have room in your life for one or more special kitties who may have shorter-than-average lifespans &/or higher-than-average veterinary bills, PLEASE contact your local shelter, rescue organization, or vet's office, because I guarantee someone in your community is desperately looking for you!!! OK, this concludes the PSA for today... Thanks guys! :)