January 22, 2009

Dear Obie,
What is FIV?
Signed, Mr. Fluff
Stayton, Oregon


Dear Mr. Fluff,
What would you like first, the facts or the rumors? I'll start with the rumors. FIV can be passed from a cat to a human; FIV is a debilitating disease that causes an FIV positive cat to live in pain and misery; an FIV positive cat must be kept away from FIV negative cats; a cat diagnosed with FIV should be euthanized immediately. Those are the rumors. Now for the facts about FIV.

FIV is the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. It is what scientists call a lentivirus, which means that it progresses slowly through the cat's immune system. It is passed in the saliva of infected cats via a serious penetrating bite wound, or through blood transfusions. It is a disease found mostly in unneutered feral tom cats. And it is a feline only disease; it can not be passed to humans, dogs, or any other critter!

There is no specific treatment for FIV, but infected cats can and do live long and healthy lives, as long as their humans keep them up to date on vaccinations, feed them a high quality balanced diet, and get them to the vet at the very first sign of illness. FIV positive cats can live side by side with cats that are FIV negative, as long as they get along with each other; the disease can not be passed through the sharing of food or water bowls or litter boxes, or through playing or snuggling.

Symptoms of FIV vary from cat to cat. FIV positive cats are more susceptible to infections of the eyes, ears and mouth, the respiratory tract, the urinary tract, and the skin. These infections can be difficult to treat, but never give up! FIV positive cats can and do live long, happy lives! There is an FIV positive cat living at Salem Friends of Felines, a friend of mine named Purdy, and he is full of life and love and energy!

Humans, if you find out that your cat has FIV, do research into the disease and talk to your vet. If your vet doesn't have information or knowledge about FIV, find a vet that does. Please do not give up on your kitty!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My name is Sam, and I'm a gray tabby kitty living in Salem. I really like it when my human reads to me. Do your humans read to you, and if so what is your favorite book?
Signed, Sam
Salem, Oregon


Dear Sam,
That's great that your human reads to you! Many humans don't realize how much kitties like to be read to, and how wonderful it makes us feel. We as cats respond to our human's voices, and when they read to us it makes us feel loved and secure. My humans just finished reading "Dewey, The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World" to me, and I loved it. I also really liked "Snowflake in my Hand" by Samantha Mooney, anything by James Herriot, and, of course, "The Tale of Tom Kitten" by Beatrix Potter!
Your friend,
Obie

*****

Haven't visited Salem Friends of Felines recently? Why not? Not only are there a lot of friendly and loving cats to visit, there are also hundreds of amazing bargains to be had in the Thrift Store. Plus, the people there are just so nice, you have to stop by and say hello! Tell them Obie sent you!

*****

Remember, folks, I am not a vet! I am a cat! Always talk to your vet before making any medical decisions regarding your cat! Please!