This is a Sunday Sound-off post, in which CatCentric team members get personal with you, dishing out opinions, rants, book reviews, and so on, straight up and uncensored! Today’s post is brought to you by Laurie Goldstein.
I don’t know how many of you are familiar with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus positive (FIV+) cats, but they do not need to be separated from other pet cats in a stable social environment. Thankfully, more and more are becoming aware that this is the case. And that is due to people working HARD to dispel the separation myth. This is supported by long-term research published last year and conducted by the Director of Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Annette Litster.
Transmission of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) among cohabiting cats in two cat rescue shelters.
Update on FIV: What Every Shelter Needs to Know.
Study Shows That FIV Positive Cats Can Live Harmoniously with FIV Negative Cats.
This is a cause near and dear to my heart as I have had an FIV+ cat for five years living with my other 8, then 9 cats. I’ve added seven relocated feral cats to our home, and three of them are FIV+.
I just saw a post (somewhere else) by someone practicing TNR, but bringing in a fairly friendly feral – and when that cat tested positive for FIV+, they put kitty back outside with the, “Oh no, so disappointed about this.” attitude. It REALLY upsets me greatly that the vet doesn’t know better!
But a dear, dear, DEAR friend was sympathetic. I appreciate that – but at least write SOMETHING to dispel the myth that the FIV+ cat is some kind of threat to the indoor kitties! I was just shocked to my core, quite frankly. I feel those of us that know FIV is not transmitted casually have a duty to educate others.
As to vets that still recommend an FIV+ cat be killed just because of the FIV infection? Shame on you. This is not just an injustice to FIV+ cats, it is a terrible discredit to the profession whose oath is bound by a need to keep current on the science.
