FIV Fav's

The cats I put at the top of my to-do list are those with the Feline immunodeficiency virus(FIV).  This virus affects domestic housecats and is the cause of feline AIDS.  FIV is not typically fatal for cats, as they can live relatively healthily as carriers and transmitters of the disease for many years.  The test for FIV only determines the presence of the antibody, not the actual virus.  Other clinical signs need to be observed to confirm the FIV diagnosis.  While an FIV vaccines exits, its effectiveness is unsure and the cat will always test positive for the anitbody, thus putting it into the FIV+ category if it were to end up in a shelter or pound. Ideally, they would be good for a one cat household(or pair with another FIV+ cat), and where the cat stays inside. The cats I've identified in the shelter have tested positive for the FIV antibody, but its not certain if all of them actually have the virus or have been vaccinated for it.  If interested in any of them, a visit and talk with a staff member can shed more light on it. They are sweeties and need homes like the rest of the cats. 

While this topic can go on forever, there are many sources on the internet to cover FIV at any depth so I will end my treatise on it!  The last word to take away here, is that it is not contagious to humans or animals like dogs.

The shelter's favorite FIV's include:  Thomas, Loverboy, Ginger, Miss Ellie, Alvin, Little One, Tahlullah, and Oliver.  I have worked with them long enough to see how they behave.  I divide them into two groups as they all don't play nicely together.  Miss Ellie, Alvin, Oliver and Tahlullah are good together.  Alvin plays wildly with the laser pointer or flying balls. Oliver just likes to curl up and snooze.  Miss Ellie usually stays on the counter away from everyone, though I have been able to get her to start playing with a lazer and bouncing balls.  Tahlullah is the socialite as she just walks around going up to people and cats.

The second group includes: Thomas, (jailbreak)Loverboy, and Ginger.  When these cats see me, they sit up, and start meowing loudly; they know their playtime has arrived! Loverboy is no trouble at all to get out of his cage; he needs no help whatsoever. Ginger on the other hand, weighs a ton, so he steps into a basket I put in his cage, then I lift him with the basket, and its easier for me to move him. He never seems to play much, but he still wants to get out of the cage like the others to be around the action.  We all go to the maternity room and the fun begins as usual.

Thomas and Ginger: Brothers in Arms

Loverboy chases the laser beam, Alvin runs after the ball, Loverboy runs after Alvin.  See, Alvin can mitigate both groups of cats fairly well, and seems to get more animated with Loverboy in the picture.  I don't trust any of the females in this second group as Ginger, Loverboy, and occasionally Thomas will attack one another, and they have to be policed accordingly!

 Loverboy and Alvin play catch

Once the play session is up, the cats know it, and their expressions drop! They know it when I carry each cat back to its cage one by one.  They learn fast. The lively atmosphere has turned gloomy!  The last cat I take back gets to pass by the window for some fresh air!

Loverboy back in his cage, turns sad.