GET THE FACTS ABOUT FIV

1) Is FIV in cats like HIV in humans?

Not really. Both diseases are caused by a retrovirus but cats with Feline AIDS fare much better that humans with AIDS. In fact, most cats with FIV (90%) have a normal lifespan. FIV positive cats don't need to be on special medications either. Older FIV positive cats can be more susceptible to upper respiratory infections (colds) and dental problems. However, this is often the case with older cats who don't have FIV.

2) Can I catch AIDS from a cat with FIV?

NO....FIV only affects cats.

3) How do cats get FIV?

Cats get FIV through mating behavior and bite wounds. The best way to prevent the spreading of FIV is to spay and neuter.

4) Is FIV contagious to other cats if all are spayed or neutered?

If all of the cats interacting with each other get along well and do not bite each other, it is virtually impossible to spread to other cats. Our consulting vet, Dr. Kari Hatch, has a friendly FIV positive cat who lives with her family along with her other two cats. At this time, one of our foster homes who fosters our older cats also has a friendly and mellow FIV positive cat living with her other cats.

5) When was FIV discovered?

FIV was discovered in the 1980s. A test for the disease became widely available about 10 years ago. Prior to this time, cats were only tested for Feline Leukemia. If you have a very old cat, chances are, your cat was only tested for Feline Leukemia. You could have an FIV positive cat and not even know it!

We are hopeful that, with this information, we will have some people in our community interested in adopting one of these nice cats!

Here are some of my friends that are looking for their forever home:

Last Updated: 4/18/08

	Years at Pet Refuge RIGEL DOB 2004 Rigel is a handsome, short-haired brown tabby that has a feisty streak. He can get very hyper while he is playing so be ready to watch him get wound up. Rigel would be best as an only cat and to be with someone who appreciates "cattitude".
	Years at Pet Refuge INDY DOB April 2003 Indy is a very sweet and quiet short haired grey tabby female. She has the most adorable chirpy meow. She is very laid back and enjoys taking her afternoon naps. She likes to be petted, but is not big on being picked up and carried. Indy enjoys attention but will not seek you out as she is very cautious by nature. She also loves to play with toy mice.
	Years at Pet Refuge ELDERBERRY DOB 2003 Elderberry is a sweet and lovey boy ! His favorite things to do are to sit on your lap and have his belly rubbed. He also LOVES catnip toys. He is good with other cats and with children but doesn't especially like rambunctious puppies in his foster home. Elderberry's only health problem is an inflammation of one foot that causes him to sometimes limp. Our vet assures us that his foot problem is not caused by his FIV status and he is stable with only occasional need for treatment of this condition. Do you have room on your couch and in your heart for this little teddy bear? SN
	Year at Pet Refuge RHONDA DOB June 2006 Rhonda is a pretty torbie that is FIV positive. She is friendly with people and loves attention, but seems to prefer being an only cat.
SENIOR CAT	MOSES DOB 1995 Moses is a big brown tabby male and he is a BIG CUDDLY boy. He LOVES attention from you and as you can tell - being FIV has not affected his length of life.