1st December 2011 was World AIDS Day - did you know that cats also suffer with Feline AIDS and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?
The good news is that FIV and Feline AIDS cannot be passed to humans, and infected cats can still live long and happy lives. The FIV virus has a long incubation period and it may be months or years before any signs of infection develop.
By far the simplest way to prevent infection is neutering or spaying. FIV is transmitted in the saliva, blood and other bodily fluids, and therefore is typically spread through mating or fighting - e.g. if an infected cat's saliva enters another cat's bloodstream through deep bite wounds or scratches. Neutered cats have smaller ranges and are far less likely to engage in territorial fights or mating.
FIV may also be transmitted from pregnant females to their kittens in utero, although only about a third of FIV+ mothers pass it on.
Help with Neutering
Cats Protection offers a neutering scheme, where owners on low incomes or benefits can receive financial assistance with neutering their cat, reducing the cost to as little as £10. Not only does this reduce the risk of infection, but neutering has many other benefits for cats and owners:
- reduced risk of death or injury in RTAs as they travel smaller distances
- spraying less and less smelly
- and of course contraceptive benefits, because there are already far too many hungry and homeless cats and kittens on the streets
If you need help with neutering your cat, call the NBCP Neutering Line: 07522 729485
For North Birmingham postcodes B6-8, 18-21, 23-24, 34-36, 42-44 & 72-76
Residents of other areas visit the Cats Protection web site to locate your nearest branch