An FIV Diagnosis is Not a Tragedy
"Kitty Jim," who was given his name by my nieces when they were very young, was one of the FIV-positive cats with whom I've shared my life. The words “feline immunodeficiency virus” can strike fear into cat owners’ hearts. They imagine a future of illness and suffering leading to a painful death. FIV-positive cats are automatically put down at kill shelters, and even no-kill rescues have trouble finding homes for these... Read More
Adopt a Special Pet, Day 3: Kimbo
Kimbo is patiently waiting for her forever home. Could it be with you?As we continue our series of posts to celebrate Adopt-an-Awesomely-Special-Pet Week (known to some as Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week), let us introduce you to Kimbo, currently in the care of Save Our Strays, a rescue headquartered in Fairfield, Maine. This beautiful, loving girl is about 4 years old. She was abandoned by her previous “owners,” but that... Read More
Adopt A Special Pet, Day 1: Jeffrey
September 19 through 25 is Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable Pet Week. We, along with bloggers throughout the pet blogosphere, are dedicating this week to helping those pets who are often overlooked by potential adopters. These “less adoptable” pets are usually older, or perhaps they have a disability or a chronic illness. Maybe they’re shy because they were abused or traumatized in their earlier lives. Or maybe they’re even... Read More
Mama’s New Mission: Be the Change for FIV-Positive Cats
Mama’s on her way home from BlogPaws West, a gathering of people who blog about pets, so we’ll make our usual weekly advice post tomorrow. But we did want to convey a message from Mama about some of the things she learned. Once again, she was amazed at the nationwide — and actually, worldwide — community of people who share their love of animals through their blogs, and through their actions in the “real... Read More
Can my FIV-positive cat be saved?
Dear Most Esteemed and Knowledgeable Kitties: I am disabled and a Vietnam veteran and my cat, my best and only friend, has FIV and stomatitis. One vet says he can be helped and one vet says to put him to sleep. Can anyone help me keep my friend with me? ~J Siouxsie: First of all, J, we want to say we know how hard it is to face losing your friend to this chronic and progressive disease. Mama’s first cat companion had FIV, so she... Read More
How can I make sure my FIV-positive cat lives a long, healthy life?
Dear Most Esteemed and Knowledgeable Kitties: We just brought home a foster cat named Sunshine. He’s an unbelievable lovebug who wants to be close to us at all times — he just won’t stop purring and nudging for love! Sadly, Sunshine is FIV-positive, which is why we’re hesitant to follow through with adoption. We recently lost a cat to lymphosarcoma, and it’s still hard on both of us. We want to be sure to give him the best... Read More
