For many years there has been a widespread misunderstanding around the topic of FIV+ cats. However, a recent long-term study conducted by Purdue University’s College of Veterinary examined FIV+ cats in shelters and drew two important conclusions: FIV-positive cats can live with FIV-negative cats and not infect the FIV-negative cats during normal day-to-day interactions, and mother cats infected with FIV don’t pass the virus on to their kittens.
While this has been a widely known and accepted fact among cat experts, the general public is generally misinformed when it comes to FIV+ cats and the risk of transmission to other household cats. The study confirms that there is no reason for FIV cats to be adopted only into homes with other FIV-positive cats. The disease is transmitted only by deep bite wounds, which happens only if the cats get into intense fights, which can usually be easily prevented by taking the necessary steps. The incorrect belief that mother cats can pass FIV on to their kittens is widely believed by cat owners. As a result, many thousands of cats and kittens have been unnecessarily euthanized. These otherwise adoptable animals are destined for euthanasia because of the false beliefs perpetuated by stereotypes and misinformation. Compounding this issue is that cat owners often confuse FIV for FeLV (the feline leukemia virus), which is transmissible through cohabitation and casual contact. These two diseases are retroviruses and both affect the immune system. However, there is a critical difference. FIV does not easily cross the mucous membranes (the lining of the mouth, nose, eyes, genitals, and intestines), which is why it’s so difficult for FIV to be transmitted to other cats. Ultimately, this study confirms what cat advocates have known for years - FIV+ cats can live a long and healthy life in the company of other cats in the home, without significant risk of transmitting the disease. It is time to end the stigma surrounding FIV and FIV+ cats, and place them in loving homes just as all cats deserve. References: https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-vet-study-fiv-positive-cats-living-together
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During this pandemic, everyone is probably feeling a little stir crazy, your cat included. Here are some fun ways to keep your cat entertained while you're both staying at home.
1. Food Puzzles - This will help with your cat's natural instinct to hunt for their food. There are many types of food puzzles available at your local pet store or even DIY ones. 2. Vertical Space- Provide your cat with the feel of outdoors without leaving the house. By creating perches, shelves or having a cat tower by windows will allow your cat to view the outdoors and release their climbing and clawing needs. There are many different ways to create vertical spaces for your cat! 3. Interactive Toys- These toys create a bonding experience between you and your cat. They can include wand toys, strings, and laser pointers (remember to always have a toy for them to catch in the end!). 4. Self Play Toys.- These are types that a cat can use on their own. There are a variety of battery operated toys, balls or even something as simple as a cardboard box! Check out your local pet store for many options! Providing your cat with an enrichment filled environment will lead to a mentally, emotionally and physically happy cat! References: https://www.petsecure.com.au/pet-care/10-ways-keep-cat-entertained-youre-house/ While many people across the globe are struggling to make ends meet, caring for and feeding community cats can easily fall by the wayside. However, even during these times, we still have an obligation to ensure the health and well being of cats living outdoors, many of which rely on humans for food and shelter.
In Turkey, a place famous for their love of cats, the Interior Ministry issued a letter urging local administrations to protect and feed the country’s hundreds of thousands of stray cats while residents stay at home to contain the spread of the coronavirus. In the notice, the ministry wrote, “Food and water will be left at the living environments of street animals, such as parks and gardens, and particularly animal shelters. All necessary measures must be taken to ensure stray animals don’t go hungry.” In Istanbul alone, there are over 150,000 stray cats, who normally rely on the public for food and water. This initiative aims to ensure that no cat goes hungry while people are self-isolating. Similarly, in South Africa, feeding feral cats was deemed an essential service, so nonprofits and volunteers are continuing to feed colonies throughout the country. At ACR, we are continuing to feed all of our colonies, and have taken over several others that were not being fed. Even though resources are stretched thin, ACR still cares for these colonies 365 days a year, despite the ongoing pandemic. If you are a colony caretaker, please continue to feed and care for your colonies. If you are unable, find someone who can replace you until you are able to continue. While the health and well being of individuals is important during this pandemic, it is equally important to ensure that the feral cats who rely on humans are fed and healthy as well. As recently as 2019, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) meant a certain death sentence for cats. Fortunately, Dr. Niels Pedersen of UC Davis discovered the cure for FIP: GS-441524, otherwise known as GS. So how does GS work?
In cats, FIP causes an immune defect or deficiency that causes white blood cells to multiply, as opposed to fight, the virus. Basically, cats with FIP have an immune system that spreads the virus throughout the body rather than trying to eradicate it. Some cats have no immune response, and they develop wet FIP. Cats who have partial immune response develop dry FIP. For either diagnosis, GS works by interjecting itself into the chain reaction and stops the replication of the virus. Dr. Pedersen’s study determined that a 12 week, once daily administration is the successful course of treatment. Stopping treatment even after blood work returns to normal before the 12 weeks means a possible relapse. Cats who complete the full 12 week treatment and remain symptom less for 90 days after competition of the treatment are officially cured of FIP. GS comes in both injectable and pill form. Both are administered daily and the dose is determined by the weight of the cat. The side effects of GS are relatively mild. Skin lesions and burns can be caused due to the acidity of the solution in injectable form. For this reason, it is recommended to always clean the cat’s skin after administering an injection. A mild pain medication, Gabapentin, can be given orally prior to the injection to prevent pain. However, most cats using GS injections tolerate the treatment and do not need any pain medication or sedative. The biggest challenge facing GS at the moment is that the 12 week treatment is often considered cost prohibitive. Each 5 mL bottle of treatment costs from $80 - $358 depending on the brand. The dose is determined by the weight of the cat; each bottle of GS is 5mL liquid at either 15mg or 16.57 mg concentration. Therefore, 12 weeks of treatment can cost anywhere from $1,100 - $11,000 depending on the brand of GS used and the weight of the cat. This is a legitimate and unfortunate deterrent for owners wanting to treat their FIP cats with GS, and there is no sign that a cheaper alternative is in development. However, should you have the resources to treat your cat with GS, chances are that your kitty will go on to live a long and healthy life. Each 5 mL bottle of treatment costs from $80 - $358 depending on the brand. The appropriate dose is based on the weight of the cat. Twelve weeks of treatment can cost anywhere from $1,100 - $11,000 depending on the brand of GS and the weight of the cat. References: https://www.zenbycat.org/blog/general-faq-about-treating-fip-using-gs-441524 https://fiptreatment.com/ With more than 30 states placing nonessential vet visits on an indefinite hold due to the coronavirus outbreak, sterilizations and vaccines are also included under this restriction. While spaying or neutering is an important preventative measure, it’s not considered essential at this time. This puts unsterilized feral and stray female cats at high risk for becoming pregnant and giving birth to even more litters on the street. To make matters worse, this is occurring at the height of kitten season, which is the time of year where it becomes warmer and more mother cats become pregnant and give birth. Normally, shelters are filled with kittens at this time, but with most shelters closed, these kittens and their mothers are left to fend for themselves on the streets.
Similarly, TNR operations have decreased substantially, with only a few vets performing spay/neuters by appointment only. Furthermore, rescues who pull animals from shelters are now unable to have animals cleared by a vet before taking them in and may have to pay a higher cost to get them checked through other veterinarians, if they are able to make appointments. These factors mean that TNR organizations like ACR will have to play a major game of catch up once this pandemic comes to an end. With the number of kittens on the rise during kitten season, ACR will face an uphill battle trapping, sterilizing and vaccinating this surplus of new kittens, as well as their mothers. Similarly, while admirable, the outpouring of individuals fostering and adopting cats during quarantine has freed up space in shelters, but adoption agencies are often unable to spay/neuter cats and kittens before adopting or fostering. While this is not ideal, there is an agreement between the foster/adopter to have the cats sterilized once vet services return to normal. In order to reach its goal of managing community cat colonies and practicing as much TNR as possible, ACR will rely heavily on generous donations from its supporters. At the same time, ACR is very cognizant that for many, money is very tight right now and that a lot of organizations are looking for philanthropy to get through this crisis. However, ACR hopes you understand the terrible effect this pandemic has had on TNR to get cats and kittens off the streets and prevent mother cats from becoming pregnant and giving birth in years to come. With many people out of work and without a steady income, you may be struggling to feed your cats. Luckily, there are nationwide and statewide pet food banks that can serve you during these trying times. ACR has complied a list of food banks that provide essentials for your cat if you are having difficulty affording them yourself. Similarly, if you have extra food or the resources to purchase food, these pet food banks are eagerly accepting donations. Click on the button below to find a list of pet food banks in your state that can help you during you and you cats' time of need.
With the spread of COVID-19, there is a very real concern that there will be an increase in the number of feral cats on the streets. TNR programs that are designed to curb the population of feral cats have been largely suspended due to the pandemic. Without active TNR programs, which include the spaying and neutering of free roaming cats, there will undoubtedly be an increase in kittens born on the streets, especially as kitten season nears.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most vet clinics have temporarily closed. This means that TNR groups do not have access to mass spaying and neutering as they did before. Cats breed rapidly, with a female able to give birth at only five months old. Similarly, she can become pregnant again while still breastfeeding. One cat and her offspring can produce roughly 420,000 cats in just seven years, with the female giving birth to two or three litters per year. While it’s easy to think of the ramifications of this pandemic on human populations, it’s important to remember the impact it has on feral cats as well. Some clinics are still open on an appointment only basis, so if you are still practicing TNR, contact your local vet clinics to see if they can assist with spay/neuter services. Have you been affected by the shutdown of vet clinics during this pandemic? Are you still able to effectively TNR during this time? Please share your experiences with us in the comments below. During kitten season it’s not uncommon to find a litter of unattended kittens, or a seemingly orphaned kitten by itself. Although it may be tempting to jump in and help, take the following steps before doing anything.
Chances are, momma cat is somewhere nearby. She may be watching from a distance, or off searching for food. It is not uncommon for a momma cat to leave the kittens alone for several hours. If you find a kitten alone, she may be in the process of moving her litter from one location to another. Before doing anything, assess the kittens’ apparent health. Does their fur look healthy full and fluffy? Or are they dirty and look sickly? Are they sleeping quietly? Huddled together? Or are they crying? Lastly, are they dry, or wet? Next, asses the environment. Are the kittens in immediate danger from rain, wet weather, or the cold? Are there potential predators around, such as racoons or dogs? Is there traffic, like pedestrian foot traffic, bicycles or cars? After assessing the situation and determining that the kittens are not in immediate danger, it is best to wait and watch to see if the momma cat will return. You should stay at least 35 feet away, but the father the better. Do not place food near the kittens to try to entice the mother to return. She almost always hides her litter away from food sources to protect them from other cats or predators. In some cases you may need to leave the area completely and check back in 4-6 hours to see if the kittens are still OK. Especially if momma cat is feral, she will most likely not return until she no longer senses the presence of humans. Keep in mind that healthy kittens can survive several hours without food as long as they are warm. Hypothermia is a much greater risk than starvation for neonatal kittens. If momma cat returns and you’ve determined the area is relatively safe, leave the kittens along until they are weaned at approximately 5-6 weeks. You can monitor the area from a distance and offer shelter and food, but keep the two apart from one another. Mom won’t use the shelter if food is nearby. At five to six weeks old, it is time to take the kittens from the mother for socialization and adoption. Any time after eight weeks is suitable to TNR. Remember, female cats can become pregnant while she is still nursing, so make sure that the mother cat is spayed so she does not have any more kittens. If momma cat does not return and you decide to intervene, be prepared to see the kittens through until you can get additional help, which may be days or weeks. References: http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/wordpress/2013/05/what-to-do-and-not-do-if-you-find-a-newborn-kitten/ https://www.communityconcernforcats.org/resources/bottle-babies/foundkittens/ Many people think that declawing is a quick fix solution to solve the problem of unwanted scratching. However, the practice of declawing is far more harmful than it is helpful. Many countries around the world, cities in the United States, and the state of New York have all banned the practice, declaring it inhumane. Furthermore, declawing can also cause lasting physical problems for your cat, as well as behavioral issues such as refusal to use the litter box and a tendency to bite.
Often, people believe that declawing is a simple procedure that removes a cat’s nails, as same as having your fingernails trimmed. However, this is far from the case. Traditionally, declawing involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe. If the equivalent procedure was performed on a human, it would be like cutting off each finger at the last knuckle. Prominent animal welfare groups, such as the ASPCA, have condemned the practice unless medically necessary. Aside from being extremely painful for the cat, there are additional negative effects from declawing. It can cause infection, tissue death, lameness, and back pain. There can also be a regrowth of improperly removed calls, nerve damage, and bone spurs. Litter can irritate declawed feet, increasing the chances of cats refusing to use the litter box. Some cats may begin biting because they no longer have their claws for defense. There are several steps you can take to prevent damage to your furniture and to avoid unwanted scratching. First, keep your cat’s claws trimmed to minimize damage to items in your house. Second, provide scratching posts and boards for your cat to use around your home. Offer different materials as well as different styles, and use catnip to tempt your cat to use the posts and boards. You can also use a special tape on furniture to deter your cat from unwanted scratching. By adhering to these simple solutions, you can successfully mitigate scratching while keeping your cat happy and healthy. Many common cleaning products can be hazardous to cats. They contain chemicals that can be toxic, and even deadly. Cats are especially at risk because they groom themselves, therefore ingest chemicals on their fur and feet. Additionally, cats can have allergic reactions to the chemicals and fumes found in commercial household cleaning products. Luckily, there are safe and cheap alternatives to these common products that are also environmentally friendly.
Floors Using a non-toxic cleaner on floors is especially important because cats are low to the ground. Use a vinegar and warm water solution on wood, ceramic tile, linoleum or vinyl flooring. If you’re using a carpet steam cleaner, use a water and vinegar solution (one part water to one part vinegar) to clean. Bathrooms and Kitchens Use baking soda to dust surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens, then wipe with a moist cloth or sponge. Another option is to use vinegar and warm water. If you’re trying to remove mildew or grease stains, first spray them with lemon juice, let it sit for a few minutes, and then use a brush to scrub the residue away. Unclogging a Drain Drain cleaner contains numerous chemicals and comes with a multitude of warnings. Instead of a commercial cleaner, use baking soda and vinegar. Pour a few tablespoons of baking soda down the drain, then a cup of vinegar. The reaction of the two products will help unclog the drain. Afterwards, rinse with hot water. Furniture Olive oil, or a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice (two parts olive oil, one part lemon juice) makes an excellent furniture polish. Oven The self-cleaning feature on ovens often release fumes during the cleaning process that can irritate cats and humans alike. Instead, make a paste of baking soda and water, then coat the inside of your oven. Let it sit overnight, and then scrub away the dirt the next day. Dryer Sheets The chemicals contained in dryer sheets, as well as in fabric softeners and laundry detergents, are absorbed by your skin and therefore your cats’ skin as well. These products are known to contain carcinogens and neurotoxins. Paint Fumes Sometimes it is unavoidable to expose our cats to toxic fumes. When it comes to painting, ensure that the area being painted is well-ventilated. One way to do this is with an ionic air purifier. If you don’t have one, set small bowls of vinegar around the room, and change them daily. The smell of the paint fumes will be absorbed by the liquid. Leave these bowls out until all paint odor has dissipated. While these homemade cleaning projects might require a little extra work, you will have peace of mind knowing that not only is your cat safe from toxic chemicals and fumes, but that you are also saving money and contributing to a healthier planet. |
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