FIV is definitely not the cat’s meow

Me and Ow here, and we have been called upon to write about cats and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). FIV is one of the most common and serious infectious diseases of cats around the world. FIV attacks the immune system, which leaves us vulnerable to many infections.

Cats infected with FIV may appear normal for years but eventually suffer from immune deficiency, which allows normal harmless bacterial found in the environment to cause severe illness. Unfortunately, there is no cure for FIV but recent studies suggest that cats with FIV usually live average life spans.

How do we get FIV? The main way is through bite wounds from an infected cat. Sharing water bowls or mutual grooming doesn’t spread the virus. If your cat has FIV and lives in a stable home where there isn’t fighting, the risk of the other cats acquiring FIV infections is small.

There are three phases of FIV: the acute phase, the asymptomatic phase, and the progressive phase. The acute phase usually occurs 1-3 months after infection. This phase may be mild with a fever and temporary lymph node enlargement.

In the asymptomatic phase, the virus replicates very slowly within the cells of the immune system. This can last for months to years without any signs of illness. Actually, some cats remain in this stage and never progress to more severe disease.

After the asymptomatic phase, the virus continues to spread through the immune system at which time cats will enter a progressive immune-compromised state. In this state secondary infections occur.

Almost all illness related to FIV isn’t from the virus, it is from problems with the immune system. We can develop chronic infections of the skin, eyes, dental disease, and cancer. Survival, time is very short when several infections strike at once.

We are very lucky cats indeed! Our mom keeps us indoors and makes sure we are safe. We may be brat cats, but we are loved which is the cat’s meow.

XOXO

Me and Ow

Correction

The Executive Director of CAPS is Julia Ameil not Julie

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have eight adorable four to six-month-old old puppies. There are four girls and four boys.

We also have thirteen fluffy kittens’ ages 15 to 20 weeks. There are seven boys and six girls in a rainbow of colors. All our babies need foster homes. Call 775-7500 for details.

IN NEED OF

Fancy Feast kitten wet food.

Cat litter for our guests’ comfort.  

Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

The Fallon ROTC Cadets for volunteering at our car and dog wash. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!

Les Schwab for hosting CAPS’ car and dog wash. All tails are wagging for you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

COMING ATTRACTIONS 

We will be at The Grid on Nov. 5, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with “Going to the Pound.” We are impounding and setting bail for local volunteers. To make bail they will need to call friends and relatives for monetary support. We will also raffle the Blue Ribbon quilt at the end of the day. Tickets are available and you do not need to be present to win.

DON’T FORGET

October Holiday: Global Cat Day is Oct. 16.

Over the rainbow-If you would like your pet remembered send his/her name and a short description to jkwmil@outlook.com

If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Contact her at jkwmil@outlook.com.