Home » News » Adopt a FIV+ Cat? Positively!...

News

Adopt a FIV+ Cat? Positively!

June 16, 2009, 2:37PM MT

By Denise A LeBeau

Education is key to finding the perfect forever home

Education is key to finding the perfect forever home

by Shawn Burcham, Best Friends Network Volunteer

When Apollo, a four-year old black, short-haired cat, was put up for adoption at the Humane Society of Indianapolis, his chances of being adopted seemed pretty slim. In his previous life as a stray cat, he had broken his leg, and while it had healed on its own, one of his legs was shorter than the others causing a slight limp. Upon closer review, he had the smile of a jack o’ lantern thanks to the removal of a fractured upper tooth. But these outward appearance issues may not matter to the right adopter. They may even be viewed as “charming character.” Even so, there was also one larger issue to consider. Apollo was FIV positive.

Unadoptable? Not me says Piper!

Apollo had probably contracted FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) during his days on the street through a bite from another homeless unaltered male cat, the likeliest of carriers. FIV is an incurable virus that progresses very slowly, gradually affecting a feline’s immune system. Former Humane Society policy was to euthanize FIV+ cats, however, Apollo now found himself as one of the lucky “test cats” in a new partnership between the Humane Society of Indianapolis and Indyferal, a non-profit organization that specializes in the trap, neuter, return (TNR) and the well-being of stray and feral cats. Through this partnership, FIV+ cats were being given a new chance at life.

Ryker benefits from program!

No one knew how this new program would go when it started in January 2009. Or perhaps it should be stated that no one knew how successful this program would be! Since January, 8 FIV+ cats have been adopted and 2 are in foster care. Currently the Humane Society has only 2 cats in the FIV+ adoption area. They are working on a free-roaming FIV+ cat room which will showcase these kitties in a more appealing manner than cages, and will also help maintain their mental and physical well-being.

Throughout the adoption process of FIV+ cats, education about the disease is key. The biggest misconceptions about these cats are that they are doomed to a short life of suffering and that the disease can easily be spread to other cats, or even to humans. The truth is that FIV+ cats can live long, happy lives with proper care. The disease spreads only through blood transfusions or deep, penetrating bites from an infected cat; not through a simple sneeze or general contact, and there is absolutely no way humans can get it.

Vincent is ready for his forever home!

The Humane Society does have a few recommendations for those considering the adoption of a FIV+ cat. The first one is that these cats only go into homes where all cats are altered and friendly with one another. Secondly, FIV+ cats should be kept indoors and up to date on vaccinations. Since their immune systems are faulty, they shouldn’t be kept in areas where they would be susceptible to other feline diseases. One of the most important recommendations is to talk to your veterinarian before adopting a FIV+ cat. Unfortunately, some vets will not treat these creatures and may even suggest euthanization. And finally, a high-quality diet and lots of love and attention will keep a FIV+ cat around for many years.

So, you might ask, what happened to our little friend Apollo? He has a new name, Snowball, a new home, and an all-around new lease on life. He also has two FIV+ brothers that he likes to chase around, even though it took some getting used to running on tile and hardwood floors with his shortened leg. Snowball’s new owner, Scott says, “All three of my cats are wonderful and it just breaks my heart to think that these three boys would have been put down in the past just because they are FIV+ cats. I hope they feel as blessed by me as I do by them.”

Get Involved!
To learn more about the FIV+ adoption program partnership between the Humane Society of Indianapolis and Indyferal, including available FIV+ cats, and how you can help make a difference, please email Christine Jeschke at cjeschke@indyhumane.org

For more information on FIV, the disease, please click here for the article by Virginia Clemans, DVM, on the Best Friends website.

Click here for further resources and information on FIV+ cats, adoption and care from Best Friends!

Images of adoptable kitties courtesy of Humane Society of Indianapolis
posted by Denise LeBeau, Best Friends Staff

Comments

Posted June 17, 2009, 1:6PM by lld

What a good story! I've always had the belief that ALL felines deserve a chance to find their forever home regardless of their medical status. FIV+ kitties may need some extra precautions, but they are no different than FIV- kitties; they still love to play, sleep in the sun and be loved by someone who appreciates them.

Posted June 19, 2009, 6:22PM by angelpaws

I have 2 FIV+ cats and you can't tell them from the FIV- cats. Good food, low stress, stable home environment = happy, healthy cats.

Posted November 12, 2009, 12:42AM by Elka

I had a cat that had F.I.V. I didn't know this until he was being treated for Squamous Cell Carcinoma, which I learned from my research, is associated with this virus. If you ever have a cat that has a white nose, eyes, or ears, please beware of anything that looks like an ulcer. My cat was misdiagnosed as having herpes, and any effective treatment was too late. Otherwise, he was a very happy, healthy cat. He had good food, little stress, and his 'kitty-cat' friends. One wouldn't have known that he was infected, because he was so happy and generally healthy.