My name is Kitty!

Name: Kitty Age: 3-4 years Breed: Domestic Short Hair Gender: Spayed Female Good with Dogs: Unknown Good with Cats: Unknown (came in with another cat) Good with Children: Unknown Current weight: 9.9lbs FeLv/FIV test: FIV POSITIVE Adoption Fee: $50 Misc. Information: Kitty came to the shelter with her sister, Baby, after their owner passed away. Little information was provided about Kitty, but she has proven to be a super sweet girl. She has been a little nervous here at the shelter, but immediately warms up once you show her some affection. She tends to nap behind her towel during the day, so don't be afraid to say hello! KITTY IS FIV POSITIVE What is FIV? FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus just as HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It typically causes a weakening of the cat's immune system. While similar to HIV, FIV has a long asymptomatic period and our job is to prolong this period. FIV is not transmissible to people! However, we do not recommend adopting an FIV cat if there is an immunosuppressed individual in the home, as FIV cats are more likely to become infected with and shed opportunistic organisms which may be transmissible to people. How long will an FIV cat live? Life expectancy is variable, but many live a long, happy life. Approximately 18% die within 5 years of infection. An additional 18% are still alive in that time frame but are experiencing illness from their immune-suppressed state. The remaining cats appear normal in that time frame and many go on to live long lives, only periodically experiencing illness. How is Diagnosis Made? At this shelter diagnosis is made using a screening test that uses a blood sample. It should be noted that administration of the vaccine for FIV will cause a cat to test positive. We do not currently have the technology to distinguish a vaccinated cat from a truly positive cat. How did this cat become infected? The major route of virus transmission is by the deep bite wounds that occur during fighting. There are other means of spreading the virus but they are less common, such as maternal transfer, sexually and via improperly screened blood transfusions. Casual contact such as sharing food bowls or snuggling is very unlikely to be associated with transmission. What special considerations does this cat need? **Keep your Cat Indoors Only - to prevent spread to other cats and protect your cat from infectious diseases. Vaccination - your veterinarian will advise you on future vaccine needs of your cat. Some vets recommend fewer vaccinations, or none at all. This cat was vaccinated on intake at this shelter, prior to diagnosis of FIV, as that is our policy to maintain the heard health of the cats here. Parasite Control - this cat has been treated for diagnosed parasites at the shelter, but should be routinely treated as needed by your veterinarian. General Monitoring - It is recommended that FIV cats have a check-up twice yearly by your veterinarian. These cats are more prone to illnesses such as upper respiratory infections and dental disease. Your veterinarian may recommend yearly bloodwork to monitor general health. Can FIV be treated? No, there is no treatment. Most FIV-positive cats handle the disease well, but it is important to address any secondary illnesses that may develop. Can FIV-negative and FIV-positive cats live together? There will always be a risk of transmission, but as long as there is no fighting the risk is minimal. The shelter provides a 5-day health guarantee for adopted animals. This includes health conditions not present or known about by the shelter at the of adoption, which adopter becomes aware of within 5 days. Injuries or accidents that occur at the adopter's home are not covered. The shelter is not responsible for incurred costs from local veterinarians due to non-compliance. ALL adoptions are final! Animals can be returned to the shelter for any reason, however, there are NO refunds or exchanges.