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Introduction
What is TNR?
Dispelling The Myths
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Ginger's Story: Living With FIV
Bangor's Story: FeLV Survivor
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Ralph is a shelter cat sponsored in honor of Ginger.
Ralph was rescued by The Peaceful Kingdom Alliance 4 Animals and is sponsored by Sue in memory of Ginger.

Ginger died on December 5, 2004 at the approximate age of 16 years old. He remained in good health until close to his death. Ginger is a reminder that all animals, even those considered special-needs, deserve a chance to thrive. He was a wonderful companion and is deeply missed.


Feral Cat Network does not recommend mandatory testing as part of TNR.

GINGER'S BACKGROUND

For many years, Ginger was "King Tom" of a large, unmanaged feral cat colony. When TNR began for his colony, Ginger was tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) because he showed serious signs of illness and needed medical treatment. He was diagnosed with FIV.

Ginger was adopted as an indoor cat; however, FIV+ feral cats in managed colonies can live symptom-free when provided with nutritious food and shelter. Many cats who test positive are unnecessarily "put to sleep."


LIVING WITH FIV

When Ginger was rescued, he had an untreated gum infection that caused almost all of his teeth to fall out. He was also extremely thin and dehydrated. Proper nutrition and good care have caused his health and quality of life to improve dramatically. Ginger is given supplements in his food and fed a high-quality diet. The supplement Ginger receives is Nu-Pet Feline Antioxidant (made by Ark Naturals). There are many good recipes and helpful advice in a book titled "The New Natural Cat" by Anitra Frazier.

Sometimes Ginger is picky and chooses not to eat food with supplements or "healthy food." He'd prefer Fancy Feast or other commercial store brands. Since it's very important that Ginger stay at a normal weight, he is allowed to eat whatever he chooses.

At times, Ginger shows signs of having FIV. His gums will swell and eyes become runny. However, he is usually able to fight off these symptoms on his own. If Ginger starts to display symptoms of stubborn infection, his doctor prescribes antibiotics. Examples of symptoms to watch for are ongoing sneezing, coughing, runny eyes and/or nose, irritated gums, difficulty eating, and diarrhea. Antibiotics should be used only when absolutely necessary, as consistent use can weaken the immune system.

 Ginger is extremely thin and dehydrated. His coat is very dull.
When Ginger was rescued ...

This is a photo of Ginger after he was rescued and living indoors. He is laying on his Winnie the Pooh blanket. Ginger's coat is glossy and full. He is a healthy weight.

... and this is Ginger now!



Ginger sitting on his blanket surrounded by his toys.

THE TRUTH ABOUT FIV

* A person who handles an FIV+ cat WILL NOT catch AIDS from the cat. FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is not the same as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). FIV cannot be passed to humans or any other species.

* FIV & FeLV (Feline Leukemia) are unrelated.

* FIV is not passed to other cats through casual contact. FIV transmission occurs through deep, penetrating bite wounds.

* FIV is not airborne.

* Unaltered males (toms) who are allowed to roam freely are at serious risk because they are more prone to fight with other cats.

* You do not have to disinfect your hands or clothing if you touch an FIV+ cat.

* A positive test result is not a death sentence; FIV+ cats can live long, happy lives. According to the findings of Addie, Jarrett et al. (Veterinary Record 2000, 146, 419-424) "since FIV positive cats live at least as long as their uninfected counterparts, a test and euthanasia policy to eradicate FIV from households cannot be justified."

* FIV+ cats may suffer from a variety of medical complaints often affecting the mouth, gums, bowels, respiratory system, and urinary tract. They are also prone to seemingly unexplained attacks of fever and weight loss. Symptoms may be delayed for years in cats who test positive.

* Cats with FIV can get secondary bacterial diseases. These diseases can be treated with antibiotics.

* Some immune stimulant drugs (e.g. Interferon) are available to help boost the cat's immune system but it will not get rid of the virus.

* A cat can test "False-Positive" for FIV. Because of this, many cats who were never infected in the first place, or would never have become ill, have unfortunately been killed.

* False-positives do occur for a variety of reasons. For example, antibodies to the virus present in the bloodstream of an infected mother cat can pass via the milk into an uninfected kitten giving a false positive test result. Kittens under four months of age who test positive should therefore be retested when they are six months old.

* Cats should be tested a minimum of 60 days following possible exposure to FIV.

* According to Feral Cat Activist, a publication of Alley Cat Allies, only about ten percent of cats who are infected with FIV actually come down with the virus.

* To date, there is no cure for this virus.

 The above information was compiled with the assistance of a veterinarian.

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