FIV Information

FIV: Catching a Bad Case of Rumors

1. The Feline Immuno-deficiency Virus is a slow virus that affects a cat's immune system over a period of years.

2. FIV is a cat-only disease and cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.

3. FIV cats most often live long, healthy, and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all.

4. FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread casually - like in litter boxes, water and food bowls, or when snuggling and playing. It is rarely spread from a mother to her kittens.

5. The virus can be spread through blood transfusions, badly infected gums, or serious, penetrating bite wounds. (Bite wounds of this kind are extremely rare, except in free-roaming, unneutered tomcats.)

6. A neutered cat, in a home, is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, if properly introduced.

7. Many vets are not educated about FIV since the virus was only discovered 15 years ago.

8. FIV-positive cats should be kept as healthy as possible. Keep them indoors and free from stress, feed them a high-quality diet, keep and treat any secondary problems as soon as they arise.

Despite what many people think, cats with this condition can live perfectly long, happy, healthy lives.

By Kristi Littrell

THE AMERICAN CAT PROJECT OREGON CHAPTER

FELV/FIV - Not a Death Sentence

As services and resources for cats and kittens continue to diminish and disappear throughout the NW, the Oregon Cat continues to extend both its reach and its welcome to more cats in need. We are very proud to announce the opening of our new FELV+ rooms, which will house between 15 and 20 FELV+ cats and kittens. It currently houses 18 precious little souls making us one of the largest, if not the largest, provider of care for these cats in the NW. These cats receive very special care while they are here and are on a strict diet and health regimen. These cats are vibrant, social, loving, and healthy. There are no guarantees in life for how long any of us have, but shouldn't the time we do have be spent being loved and enjoying every day to the fullest? Educate yourself and learn the truth about these special cats and maybe you will be lucky enough to share your life with one.

FELV Information

Living with Your
FeLV-Positive Cat

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a disease in cats
that can cause anemia and lymphoma, among
other serious illnesses. The virus can also suppress
the cat’s immune system, affecting his/her ability to fight off bacteria, viruses and fungi that contribute to other serious health problems. The good news is that FeLV-positive cats may live many years in a healthy state. There is no set life expectancy for FeLV-positive cats; much depends
on the cat’s immune system and ability to fight the
virus. If exposed, some adult cats can fight off the
virus, but if they test positive after exposure, it is a lot harder for them to clear themselves of the virus. Cats who fight off the virus develop immunity and become resistant to future infections. Unfortunately, kittens who are infected usually do not live beyond two years.
Of the exposed adult cats who don’t fight off the virus, a little more than half will become latent carriers of the disease. This means that they will not be seriously affected by the virus, but they are unable to fully combat it and will continue to test positive. A little less than half of the adult cats who test positive for feline leukemia virus will succumb to the disease within two to five years of infection.

By Mike Dix, DVM