Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I am not sure if I am posting in the right forum, but I am hoping that someone can help me.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I took in a stray cat that was dumped near my parent's house. When we took Sandie to the vet, we found out that she was FIV , which was confirmed by the more in-depth test. We had decided to keep her regardless (we were already very attached to her), and decided to have our three other cats vaccinated against FIV. Once the series is complete, we will be able to integrate Sandie with the other cats (she is currently isolated in our family room in the basement.

I was wondering if someone would be able to direct me to some websites and other resources for caring for FIV cats. I would also like to connect with other owners to find out about their experiences. I had used Google to find resources, but I found mostly medical information.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi There,

Actually, it is a myth that FIV positive cats cannot live safely with cats that are negative. The virus, if not passed on at birth, is spread through fighting, when an infected cat deeply bites another cat. Plus, the FIV vaccine is next to useless. We don't even carry it in the cat hospital where I work. So you really can let Sandie mingle with the other cats in your home any time.

Some FIV positive cats have some kind of chronic problem, while some don't. They do have a compromised immune system, however, which can cause them to become ill more often than most cats. Some vets will prescribe an immune-system booster, if they feel the cat needs it.

Thanks you for taking in this precious girl. I'm sure she will be forever grateful and will become a very special member of your family.

You might want to look into this group for support:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/FivCats/

Good luck with your new addition!

Regards,
PHKitkat

Love that little girl! We adopted, actually hubby found Bradley in the bean patch last Labor day weekend. Brad had all kinds of infections, his eyes were so crusted over he could not see. A doctor I work with gave her dog crate, and he lived in that until the infections were gone and he was fixed. Though the help of Kitkat and other great folks on this board, the desision was made to let him out of the crate. He lives wtih, actually right now is jumping on her head, our 12 year old Maine Coon, Kasha. Kasha loves her little brother, but won't admit it. They eat together, sleep together, etc. Brad being a former feral is the most loving cat I have ever had. He needs cuddles and loves, He is very skitterish around strangers, has a vet visit coming up next month, will be fun as he runs away from anyone except us. Keep us posted!
Bradley's mom
ps. his full name is Gen.Omar Bradley, I did not name him,,,,