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FIV Cats - The Truth behind the Myth!

The following FIV cats are looking for loving homes at our Welsh rescue. Take a look at the photo's then carry on reading for information on why you should consider giving a loving home to an FIV positive cat.

 Grey Mum approximately 2 years old, very gentle and affectionate with her two kittens aged approximately 8 weeks.

Tortoiseshell Mum approximately 2 years and her one kitten (staff have taken the other two). A very friendly little Mum cat.

Pale ginger male approximately 1 year to 18 months, friendly, affectionate cat.

FIV cats make perfectly good pets! With the right people in the right environment!

Here are some of the myths and truths regarding cats that carry the FIV virus:

All rescue centres admit a percentage of cats with various medical conditions. That is the nature of rescue work. As animals get older they develop or contract disease and body organs do not function as well as you would want them to. No different to us really. This is an important part of the work that Freshfields carries out; identifying illness, drawing up a treatment plan, stabilising the condition and convincing understanding adoptees that they can cope with the condition whilst providing the adoptees with back-up when needed. Here at Freshfields cats testing positive for FIV are given no less consideration than those diagnosed with heart or kidney disease, that are blind or have had a limb amputated. If our veterinary assessment is one that the animal can be treated and homed then we treat and we make every effort to re-home. That is an essential part of any ethical approach to animal welfare. Too many cats diagnosed with Feline Immune Virus are euthanased because their owners (often under veterinary advice) believe this to be the only option to prevent the spread of the disease. Sadly many welfare organisations also adopt the easy approach and euthanase anything presenting problems including FIV positive cats.
 
FIV, or Feline immunodeficiency virus, is a disease of cats that is quite similar to human HIV/AIDS. Like a person with HIV, a cat can be infected with FIV yet enjoy a good quality of life for many years. There is no cure for FIV and cats with this disease are vulnerable to a number of secondary infections due to a suppressed immune system. Ultimately, this is a fatal disease, however an FIV cat can live for years with the virus without it impacting on the animal. Because it affects their immune system making them more susceptible to commoner diseases like cat flu, dental disease, eye problems adoptees have to be observant. Because the virus is passed cat to cat [primarily by fighting and mating] we have to find indoors only homes. In our vast experience once each individual has been admitted, neutered, treated and stabilised they are no different to other normal cats requiring little extra attention. A small percentage have gone on to present future serious problems and we rely on adoptees to liaise with the shelter when this arises. We have found over the years that a quiet, stress free, settled and TLC rich life with adoptees does wonders in allowing the animal to blossom. Without attracting caring and sensitive adoptees willing to take on a challenge that little bit different Freshfields would be unable to offer FIV cats a chance for life. The reward for adoptees is huge; the satisfaction, the knowledge they have saved a life, the fantastic companionship provided and the intensity of being part of something so much bigger that challenges orthodoxy.

Indoor only homes are required for our FIV cats, preferably with a mature family responsible enough not to leave doors open. FIV cats are the perfect option for those people living near busy roads who would need to keep their pets inside for safety reasons. And of course, anyone already with an FIV positive cat would be an ideal candidate to take on a companion for it. These cats do not deserve to die. Whilst capable of having a good quality of life that they should be permitted the experience of the same love and affection other cats enjoy in a home.
 
Huge amounts of information on FIV is now available out there on the internet. Anyone thinking of looking at indoors only cats or indeed any cat with medical conditions please call down to Freshfields and chat informally to our cattery staff.