According with the ASPCA, 3.4 million cats enter animal shelters every year and only 1.4million are adopted. Feral, senior and special needs cats are those with lower adoption rates, while kittens usually are adopted very fast.
Special needs cats tend to be overlooked at the shelter mainly because they require a higher level of attention, care and resources from their owner.They tend to endure more time at the shelter, witch can be very stressful for the cat.
With today’s veterinary technology, special needs cats are able to live longer, happier, healthier lives. They just need to find a loving home and a dedicate owner.
FIV- Positive Cats
The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a infection carried by a retrovirus that causes immunodeficiency disease in cats. It’s transmitted to other cats, through scratches and bites, but not through contact or through the air.
The FIV virus affects the cat’s ability to develop a normal immune response, leaving the cat vulnerable to others infections caused by normally harmless bacteria, virus, protozoa and fungi that are found in everyday environment.
In order to avoid a FIV-infected cat to contract secondary diseases, the owner should avoid feeding her raw foods such as meat, poultry or eggs. Is mandatory that the cat lives indoors in order to prevent the secondary infections.
Secondary infections can be life threatening if not treated for the FIV cat immune system is unable to respond.
A FIV positive cat can live for years without showing any symptoms of immunodeficiency, living a normal life. Most of FIV cats that has the disease are un-neutered males fighting for food, females or territory, who picked up and spread the virus. They are feral, stray or cats that live outdoors without control from their owners.
There is no risk for humans and other species and with love, proper care and regular vet visits FIV positive cats can enjoy a normal life with no apparent health problems resulting from the virus.
FIV positive cats still find it hard to find new homes, even though they are normal, loving cats that deserve a chance to live a happy life.
Yellow Cat Photography 