Approximately 12% of all cats in the United States have been exposed to Feline Aids (FIV). Unlike aids in humans, most cats with FIV can live many years without health issues. Eventually, secondary conditions like viral infections, diabetes or kidney disease can affect a cat with aids and attack the immune system. The cat infected with FIV that develops a secondary condition, may not be able to fight their illness, so FIV can be the major cause of death.

There is some debate as to how Feline Aids is passed from cat to cat. Most veterinarians agree it’s passed through blood such as cat bites or it can be passed from a pregnant female to her offspring during gestation (pregnancy). Some veterinarians believe FIV is also contracted through mutual grooming.
In 2002 Fort Dodge Animal Health released a vaccine designed to prevent a healthy cat from acquiring Feline Aids. The drug is controversial for several reasons.

Next Week will look at why the FIV vacination is controversial.

As the 4th of July approaches protect your pet from noise and chaos.  Here are a few tips from my book “Pet Care Tips for Summer Fun and Safety”. 

Create a safe space for the pet.  Bring outdoor dogs inside.  Allow your cats to hide under the bed or in closets.  Don’t force your animal to be social, allow them to hide.   

Consider using non-addictive relaxers like “Rescue Remedy”.  Or if you pet has bad reactions to noise and chaos, have your veterinarian prescribe some tranquilizers.  Begin giving rescue remedy or tranquilizers a few hours before the noise is about to start.  Limit your pet’s exposure to children and other animals at this time.  When your pet is anxious because of noise and chaos, they may exhibit signs of aggression.  A normally docile cat or dog may bite or attack a child or other pets when it’s overloaded with fear and confusion.  If your pet hides in a closet or under the bed, leave them alone.  Some people try to baby their animals.  Usually, pets just want to feel safe.  If your pet is anxious and comes to you, by all means provide comfort.  But, if your pet is hiding, don’t go after it.  It will come out when it’s more relaxed and ready to be social.Don’t drag your pet along to every event-parades, fireworks, picnics, etc.  They can get overloaded and dehydrated.  Also, make sure your pet always has access to fresh clean water, and shade.  Watch the table scraps.