Greetings everyone from Have A Heart Pet Shelter! Last week we completed another successful Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic, with approximately 120 sterilization surgeries performed. This particular clinic was in memory of Mary Vavruska, who was an avid supporter of the Shelter and who passed away several weeks ago. We miss you, Mary!
We want to thank all our volunteers and the responsible pet owners who participated! And a big thanks to all of those who supported us with food during those three days. The clinics are always a big job and exhausting for our small cadre of volunteers but well worth the effort in the continuing battle against pet overpopulation in our area.
This week we would like to share some information about Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Sadly, cats who are diagnosed with FIV are often considered unadoptable and many are euthanized. In fact, cats who test positive for FIV usually live long, healthy lives and do NOT infect other household pets.
Transmission is usually passed from cat to cat through deep bite wounds, the kind that typically occur outdoors during aggressive fights and territorial disputes. The fact is that FIV+ cats can live long happy lives in socialized multi-cats households. According to the Cornell University of Veterinary Medicine, “Casual non-aggressive behavior does NOT spread FIV. Cats in households with stable social structures are at little risk of acquiring infections.”
FIV is a cat-specific virus and can only be transferred between cats. No other species can be infected. Cats with FIV will need to live in a relatively stress-free environment. They should receive monthly parasite control for intestinal worms and external parasites such as flees, mites and ticks, as well as twice annual visits to the vet for checkups.
All cats have unique, wonderful personalities and cats with FIV are no exception. They deserve loving homes and families just like any other pets.
Pet of the Week
We shared the above info about FIV because our Pet of the Week, Mary, came from a hoarding situation that Have A Heart was involved in earlier this year. She is a beautiful dilute calico adult. We helped her recover from an Upper Respiratory Illness (URI) along with many of the other cats rescued. Due to the terrible living conditions, some of them tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). This weakens the immune system and, due to those, we consider Mary a “special needs” kitty, with a reduced adoption fee.
But, please, don’t let this deter you from considering Mary as a possible addition to your family. She is a doll and loves to play!
If you’d like to meet Mary or any of our other adoptables, please come see us at 657 Highway 202 West in Yellville or call us at 870/449-7387 during our normal business hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am until 3 pm. We are also still looking for new volunteers to help us operate the Shelter so come see us! We need you!