Cat Facts

FIV positive cats can have a difficult time finding homes, even though in all respects they are normal, loving cats. Please don't allow the FIV stigma to prevent you from opening your heart and home to a wonderful kitty companion.

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. It's a lentivirus, meaning that it progresses very slowly, gradually affecting a cat's immune system. The virus weakens the cat's defense against disease but does not eliminate it altogether. Cats that test positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can live long and healthy lives, sometimes with no symptoms at all.

Here are some facts about FIV:
1. The Feline Immuno-deficiency Virus is a slow virus that affects a cat's immune system over a period of years.
2. The virus can be spread through blood transfusions, badly infected gums, or serious, penetrating bite wounds.
3. FIV is a cat-only disease and cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.
4. FIV is cannot be spread casually - like in litter boxes, water and food bowls, or when snuggling and playing.
5. FIV cats most often live long, healthy, and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all.

In order for a FIV cat to live a long and healthy life, it is important to keep the cat's immune system strong. Here are some general rules for protecting FIV positive cats from disease.
1. They need to live in a household as the only cat, or with other FIV positive cats.
2. They need to be kept indoors to avoid non-FIV, healthy cats that are often carriers of disease germs that their immune system prevents from turning into a full-blown infection. The FIV positive may get infected and become ill.
3. They must be free of external and internal parasites as they weaken the body by taking away vital nutrients and may also harbor disease.
4. They are not to eat uncooked meat or fish. Raw meat may contain parasites and potentially harmful germs.
5. They must be fed a high-quality healthy diet to assist the cat's immune system to function better.
6. Treat any secondary problems as soon as they arise. Regular vet checkups are recommended.
7. Give him or her plenty of love and attention.

The personality is already known - making it easier to match your with the right cat.
They are less demanding than younsters and need less supervision.
If you work, an adult cat is much better content by itself while you are out.
Most older cats are seeking a little more than a warm lap, regular good and love!
They are already altered, litter trainied, and some are even declawed.
If you have an older cat already, another oldie can be less stress for him/her than a kitten.
They have house manners! They are less likely to leap on the kitchen counters, knock down stuff on shelves, climb the drapes, or pounce on moving objects (including your legs).
They will fight depression and loneliness.
They love to cuddle up with you on a cold evening.
Are comfortable in small spaces like apartments.
Because cats regularly live into their late teens, so most seniors have many years of life and love to give.
They are so grateful to have found a loving home again that they repay your love ten-fold!
Senior Kittizens Rock! (between naps)