You'll remember when Zelda came home in early January that she was not originally intended for Teeny Tiny Tabby Town. She took the place of a lovely little family who could not come to live here because the mama was FIV positive and couldn't come live in our house with an Abby who was prone to upper respiratory infections.
The name of this family?
Madison
Yes, this Madison family
Mama tested positive for FIV, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, when we took her out of the shelter in January. Since her babies were too young and could not be reliably tested at the time, we left that for later.
To explain it simply, an FIV+ test result means that the cat has a weakened immune system. It is the feline equivalent to HIV. A cat with FIV is more susceptible to illness than it's less immuno-suppressed counterparts. They also could have a harder time recovering from any illness they contract.
This does not mean that FIV+ cats are damaged or less desirable as pets. They do, however, need a bit more care to maintain their health. Studies show that good nutrition, along with keeping a cat indoors and protected from the illnesses of other animals, can keep even an FIV+ cat healthy for a dozen years or more. With an attentive family, an FIV+ cat can lead as wonderful a life as any other cat on the block.
We will launch into an adoption and education campaign next week, posting more detailed profiles of each family member as well as the requirements that we would be looking for in an adoptive home. If you would like to read more about FIV in the meantime, please check here for more information.
Our babies are now eight weeks old. They are fat, happy, and healthy. Their FIV status is currently unknown and we will not be entertaining applications for adoptive homes until we know their true status and needs. We are making appointments for vaccinations and testing next week. We will also be setting the date for Mama to be spayed (and therefore the date on which she will be saying goodbye to her babies).
No matter what the test results, this mama and her babies will make tremendous family pets and are incredibly deserving of the right forever home. We will be accepting all prayers, good wishes, crossed fingers and toes for good results next week.
I'll note here that Aidan's main contribution to today's post was research, photos, and providing the links (things he has to be able to do for his merit badge). He also edited and made sure that all of the information was correct. He will be writing one more blog post of his very own next week. One that will most assuredly be more fun than today.
No, this isn't a blow. We'll keep positive thoughts for Mama Madison and hope that the babies are negative. Hey, I had a FeLV positive mom produce 4 healthy, negative kittens (who are all still healthy to this day, as well as the mom!) so I'm sure the Madisons will be fine, too!
ReplyDeleteThey're so happy and healthy anyway that it's hard to see them as a "risk". I'm sure everything will work out for the best and we will get them into perfect forever homes. Our vets don't have a lot of experience with FIV litters, so we're all in this as a learning experience. It helps to have all of you chiming in and setting us on the right path.
DeleteI absolutely agree with SC Amy - Positive thoughts and prayers will abound for Mama and the Madisons....and it is GREAT news that you will contribute to the effort to reduce the 'fright factor' of FIV status by starting an adoption and education campaign.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the FIV status of Mama and babies, these beautiful cats - and so many who follow in their pawsteps - deserve terrific, loving homes and the chance for long and healthy lives!
Thanks for this post - and great appreciation to Aidan for his research!
I'm far less afraid of or worried about FIV than I was of ringworm and fleas. It's a manageable condition and will only affect their forever families in how many cats to bring into it (and if they want to adopt a whole mess of FIV kitties, then bless them!)
DeleteThese babies are delightful (as is their mama). We will find them a wonderful home!
We are glad they are safe with you - we know some shelter that wouldn't even give this family a chance. And those FIV+ kitties CAN live long healthy lives (and you may want to consider retesting mom at some point too). I had a friend with an FIV+ cat and he lived to 13 years old. And no matter what some people say, they CAN live with other cats (so long as your FIV cat isn't a biter - MOL). Good luck to the babies...just cause mom is positive doesn't mean the kitts are. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I've been pushing to re-test mama too. I'm in this for the long haul with this family. They'll go to the exact right homes for them. I won't have it any other way.
DeleteI'll add too that our vet's primary concern about FIV cats living with negative cats isn't about the FIV being passed from one to another. It's more about the extra risk of infections and small illnesses being passed TO the FIV+ kitty and their ability to fight it off. Looking for a single cat household is to protect the FIV kitty's health, not necessarily the other way around.
DeleteThat being said, I would love it if our babies could go off in pairs. That way, there's less of a risk that the family will decide they "need" another later on. It would be wonderful if we could send them ALL off in pairs anyway.
Often the kittens will sero-convert and test negative after they stop nursing. But even so, FIV is not a death sentence or even something to be particularly afraid of. The vaccine is pretty effective and it doesn't transmit easily from cat to cat anyway, so they are very adoptable. And in my experience, FIV cats are some of the sweetest, most loving cats out there! Go to www.crashslanding.org and read about Big Sid's Sanctuary - it's a shelter in Grand Rapids specifically for cats with Feleuk and FIV and it is an amazing place.
ReplyDeleteOur babies are still nursing occasionally, but will be taken away from Mama permanently when she goes in for spay next week. If we see a positive result next week when the babies are tested, I will assume that it's still her antibodies and have them retested at the appropriate interval.
DeleteThis is why I love this blog and putting this kind of information out here to the universe. Our potential adopters are going to be found and educated through this, by me and by all of you!
Thank you for posting facts about FIV Positive cats. Like any kitty, these sweethearts deserve good. loving homes too! FIV+ is not a death sentence!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to all the kitties. I enjoy this blog so much and thanks to Aidan now have lots of info about FIV kitties. I'm not planning any more additions but the info is always good to have. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks to you and Aiden for all the FIV+ information! My newest is FIV+ so I'm looking for all the info I can get my hands on.
ReplyDelete