A way to help your local cats!

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!

Jamie · 02-20-2003, 09:55 PM

Great Post! I completely agree with adopting FIV and FeLV kitties, because so many of them get killed as soon as the first test comes back positive. There is an article about FIV by Best Friend's magazine here It's on page 30 if you just want to skip to the FIV article.

Lacykitten · 02-21-2003, 01:56 AM

I wish I could adopt cats like that.. I have three healthy cats though, so I can't. but I so would if I could. They need loving homes.

Halfelf · 02-21-2003, 09:01 AM

Doh

I love cats and it would rule to adopt one in need, but I'm horrendously allergic to them.

misanthropy · 02-23-2003, 07:49 PM

I'm with Lacy. If I could, I would but I have 3 healthy cats as well.

But! It's a great idea that more folks should be aware of.

-- Ida

02-20-2003, 08:26 PM	#1
herbi Reprazents Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA Posts: 5,030	A way to help your local cats! 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!

02-21-2003, 01:56 AM	#3
Lacykitten Back on the Wagon Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 1,664	I wish I could adopt cats like that.. I have three healthy cats though, so I can't. but I so would if I could. They need loving homes. __________________ "There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest." - Elie Wiesel

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02-20-2003, 09:55 PM	#2
Jamie Seedling Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Farmington, New Mexico Posts: 25	Great Post! I completely agree with adopting FIV and FeLV kitties, because so many of them get killed as soon as the first test comes back positive. There is an article about FIV by Best Friend's magazine here It's on page 30 if you just want to skip to the FIV article.

02-21-2003, 09:01 AM	#4
Halfelf puff Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Calgary Posts: 199	Doh I love cats and it would rule to adopt one in need, but I'm horrendously allergic to them.

02-23-2003, 07:49 PM	#5
misanthropy meow! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario (Canada) Posts: 3,238	I'm with Lacy. If I could, I would but I have 3 healthy cats as well. But! It's a great idea that more folks should be aware of. -- Ida