Cat Owners Be Aware

Some years ago my husband and I decided to adopt a cat from the local pound. Not only did we wish to expand our family with a beautiful fluff ball, but our farm begged for some serious organic pest management. As the pound cage unveiled a stunning ginger and white cat with adoring, emerald eyes, I instantly knew this divine creature was meant for us. We named him Oscar.

Oscar slipped into rural life and our hearts quickly and completely. Exuding a vibrant, colourful personality, he playfully shadowed us as we went about our days. Simultaneously, he was our number one pest control officer, efficiently fulfilling his beneficial role, while butter wouldn't melt in his mouth when we nurtured and showered him with compliments.

After eight, wonderful years, Oscar became unwell and was eventually diagnosed with Cat AIDS. We had never heard of this apparently common disease I believe he contracted years ago through a serious leg bite from an FIV infected, stray cat. We were shocked and horrified to learn Oscar was living on borrowed time.

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, similar to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), however it cannot be transmitted to humans or other animals. FIV is highly species-specific and can live in many different internal feline tissues, often in the salivary glands, which can easily transmit infection through deep bites.

FIV typically leads to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), again likened to symptoms of human AIDS. Infected cats can survive with FIV in their systems for many years and live relatively healthy lives as carriers before showing signs of any illness. Once AIDS symptoms present, the disease interferes with the immune system and secondary, potentially fatal, illnesses typically emerge. Examples of these ailments are loss of appetite/weight loss, respiratory, urinary and skin infections or mouth and gum disease. 

There is a vaccine available, consisting of 3 initial boosters 2-4 weeks apart, followed by a yearly vaccine to help protect cats from contracting FIV, however there is no cure once a cat is infected.

We adored our Oscar. Only two months after his AIDS diagnosis, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize him. We tended to Oscar's every need with medications, love and attention, but he was just too sick and unhappy as his health rapidly declined. We wished we were aware of the devastating FIV and would have attempted to protect him from contracting the deadly infection, but sadly, hindsight is always a wonderful thing. Our two fluff balls we now own are religiously vaccinated for FIV each year.

If you are an owner of a cat that ventures outdoors and are oblivious to FIV as I was, arm yourself with more information about this prevalent virus. Talk to your veterinarian to discuss available options to help safeguard your pet.

Cats are so therapeutic, bringing much love, playfulness and serenity into our lives, and great wisdom if we read the play. Pet ownership is a privilege and requires us to responsibility care for and shield our animals from harm and illnesses to the best of our ability, ultimately offering ourselves peace of mind. They are after all, members of our family.

Oscar is missed every day ...