Hello everyone!
Today we want to share with you one of our special cats, Kane, who has fast become the CP Bridgend teams centre sweetheart!
Kane has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) which is similar to the human HIV virus although it can only be caught by other cats. It is an immune deficiency virus which is present in blood and other bodily fluids. Once a cat has FIV he or she has it for life and just like humans can live very long and healthy lives!
Kane is in great health but as he is at high risk of catching something that could make him more poorly than a cat without FIV, he is now to be kept as an indoor only cat. FIV is a very delicate virus that doesn't survive for long outside of the cats body so it can't be passed on via hands or clothes.
There are many different ways for a cat to catch FIV, some can be born with it, it can be picked up from fighting with an FIV positive cat and also through unneutered cats mating - this is why it is SO important to neuter your cat!
As Kane came into us neutered and not one for going out into the big wide world much we don't really know how he came to have FIV but because of this he can not be homed with any other cat (unless the cat is FIV positive) in order to protect them aswell and reduce his stress levels.
There is currently no treatment for FIV and each cats signs and symptoms vary. The best way to keep an FIVs risk level lower is to keep them indoors, vaccinating, treat them regularly with flea and worm products from the vets and keep them on a good diet.
Kane is such a soppy boy who loves to be groomed and fussed over. We at the centre know what a wonderful companion Kane would make for somebody and he has recently been reserved so if off to his forever home!
If you would like anymore information on FIV then you can find out some more by clicking HERE.
