Facts about FIV

The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a slow virus that affects a cat's immune system over a period of years.

FIV is a cat-only disease and cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.

FIV is not easily passed between cats.  It cannot be spread casually - like in litter boxes, water and food bowls, or when snuggling and playing.  It is rarely spread by sexual transmission or from a mother to her kittens.

The virus can be spread through blood transfusions, badly infected gums, or serious, penetrating bite wounds. (Bite wounds of this kind are extremely rare, except in free-roaming, unneutered tomcats).

FIV positive cats should be kept as healthy as possible.  Keep them indoors and free from stress, feed them a high-quality diet, treat any secondary problems as they arise.

The FIV virus does not live long outside of the cat's body.

A rapid progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome does not occur in the majority of cats, so most cats with FIV have a long period in which they are not highly immune compromised.

Facts about FELV

The Vet's Corner

Thinking of adopting a feline leukemia positive cat?

by Dr. Cary Nulton, Gramercy Park Animal Hospital

We all want our pets to live as long as we do! Chances are that's not going to be the case, no matter what type of pet you adopt. While it is true that a cat with feline leukemia (FeLV) may have a shorter life expectancy, many of these cats are quite healthy for years. You needn't anticipate that, because a cat is positive, it will be "sickly." As with any pet, many of the health issues that might arise are minor and treatable.

Questions commonly asked:

1. How is FeLV transmitted?

Transmission occurs either cat-to-cat (from bite wounds, close casual contact, such as grooming or shared dishes or litter pans) or from the mother (transplacental or transmammary). In other words, you needn't become a social pariah amongst your cat-guardian friends! (You aren't going to bring feline leukemia into their homes on your clothing or skin.)

2. Which cats are at risk?

Male cats (especially intact males) are at higher risk because of their behavioral patterns. Free-roaming cats are at higher risk because of contact with other cats. Cats in multi-cat households are at risk because of increased contact as well as increased stress.

3. What can I expect regarding disease?

Onset of disease occurs over a period of months to years after infection. A healthy immune system can force the virus into latency early in the infection phase. Most associated diseases (non-cancerous or cancerous) result from immunosuppression. The virus attacks the blood, lymph, and immune systems directly, but any system in the body can be susceptible to secondary infections due to immunosuppression.

4. How is FeLV diagnosed?

There are a number of different identifying tests for FeLV. Your veterinarian can guide you as to which test is appropriate at which time. You should know that some of the tests veterinarians use for early detection have a higher incidence of false-positive results. In other words, if you are adopting a kitten that is positive, there is a chance it will later test negative. (Re-testing 12 weeks after the initial test using an "IFA" test may then yield a negative result.)

Things to keep in mind:

Adopting a feline leukemia positive cat is good for the cat, and good for your karma!

Facts about Adopting an Older Cat

Senior cats make great pets, yet many times are overlooked simply because of their age. The average lifespan of a cat is around 15 years with many living much longer.  Some of these beautiful cats are only half way through their lives!  If you have never considered adopting a senior cat, here are some of the advantages:

Older cats usually have calm, laid back, yet loveable personalities An adult cat is a good choice for families with small children An adult cat is perfect for a working couple or single A senior cat is best for any person who might pre-decease him or her An older declawed cat is a good choice for someone who needs a declawed cat for medical reasons An older cat is the right choice for a senior cat who has lost a companion Older cats are so grateful for a second chance at a permanent, loving home!

Facts about Semi-feral cats

KittyKind frequently finds itself with cats and kittens that are very shy because they were not socialized during a crucial age of development around 8 -10 weeks.  We have a number of volunteers who generously donate their time to work with these special cats so that they can ultimately be placed in permanent homes.

The technique that is used is called "Tough Love" and is promoted by the Urban Cat League.  This technique offers food as an incentive for semi-feral cats to interact and ultimately seek affection from people. The cats and kittens are placed in a small space like a bathroom where they can become accustomed to the presence of people. At first the volunteer places a plate of food a few feet from themselves and then slowly, over time, moves the plate closer and closer.  When the cats are comfortable eating from a plate placed in close proximity to the volunteer, the volunteer very gently begins to stroke the cat.  The cats become accustomed to touch and in time begin to seek attention from people.

We call these cats Extra Special because when adopted their new owners will need to take extra time to acclimate the cats to their new environment and to actively interact with them. It is important to play with the cats and feed them in a location where the cats can be pet while they are eating. The cats will very quickly bond with their new owners and because they are special KittyKind will continue to provide advise and support to the new owners.

Facts about Cerebellar Hypoplasia (Wobbly Bobbly)

Cerebellar hypoplasia occurs when a feral, stray or unvaccinated mother has distemper while her kittens are still in her uterus.  Damage to the kittens cerebellum, the part of the brain that is used for coordination and balance, is permanent. Though there is no treatment, CH cats have a normal life expectancy, and can lead happy lives

Usually symptoms of cerebellar hypoplasia can be seen immediately at birth in cats, but sometimes can take two months or so to become apparent in dogs. Cerebellar hypoplasia causes jerky movements, tremors and generally uncoordinated motion. The animal often falls down and has trouble walking. Tremors increase when the animal is excited and subside when at ease.  There are mild, moderate and severe forms of damage to the cerebellum so cats can exhibit different levels of symptoms of the disease.

There are several bacterial infections and viral infections such as feline panleukopenia that can result in the disorder in both cats and dogs. However, the disease can also be caused by malnutrition, poisoning, injury or general accidents during development in the fetus.

The disease does not get better or worse with age, but the cat or dog can usually learn to somewhat compensate for it and should have a normal lifespan. Most afflicted animals can lead a fairly normal life if special considerations for the animal's disability are made by the pet's owner.

Facts about Traumatized & Abused Cats

KittyKind frequently takes cats who have suffered from some type of trauma in their lives.   Tramatic experiences can be the result of deliberate abuse or from unfortunate circumstances.  It has been our experience that cats are quite capable of recovering from these traumas if given the opportunity to live in a supportive environment.  KittyKind places these cats in foster homes where they can take the time to recover and can experience a home that provides love and encouragement.

Facts about Cage Stress

Many cats find the adoption center to be too stressful for them.   While KittyKind does everything it can to make its cats comfortable, the public environment can be too much for extra sensitive cat and they may exhibit behavior which is not truly indicative of their personality.  KittyKind places these cats in supportive foster homes and seeks other avenues to adopt them.  

Facts about Cats with Sight Impairment

Most cats with mild or complete blindness developed the blindness as a result of a very common eye infection which if left untreated can damage the cornea or can completely destroy the eye.  Cats are fortunate because they can use their other sensory organs to maneuver throughout their world.  Their sense of hearing can pick up minute sounds that our hearing cannot detect.  Their whiskers detect motion.  We have seen cats who are completely blind catch flies.  Cats who are blind or who have limited sight do quite well once they acclimate to their new home.

Facts about Cats with Diabetes

Cats with diabetes can frequently live normal life spans, if their condition is properly monitored and treated. Feline diabetes is a condition which affects the ability of the body to process glucose. Glucose is used by the body's cells to produce energy. Insulin is a hormone that tells cells to absorb glucose. Without insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream and the body does not receive the energy it requires. Symptoms of diabetes in felines are excessive thirst and urination, and increased hunger accompanied by weight loss.

Treatment of diabetes in cats is treated with either insulin or an oral anti-hyperglycemic medication. Cats tend to respond better to injections of insulin than to oral medication. Under the guidance of a vet, diabetes can be easily treated with a glucose meter or testing the cat's urine with dipsticks and injections of insulin.

Diabetes in cats frequently disappears with improved diet, weight loss and exercise.