WEST MILFORD — Within the last six months, there have been three cats that have tested positive for FIV at the West Milford Animal Shelter. Two of the three have been adopted and the third one is new to the shelter. His name is Toby and he is a beautifully marked tiger cat.
The first two cats were very lucky to be adopted because of the stigma of the FIV virus usually means a long stay at the shelter. Both are now very happy and healthy in their new homes. All of the cats at the shelter are tested for FIV before being placed for adoption.
FIV stand for feline immunodeficiency virus. It is a lentivirus, the same class of virus as HIV in humans. FIV, which can live in many different tissues in cats, typically causes a weakening of the cat's immune system. FIV positive cats can (and do) live long and healthy lives. There are a lot of "myths" surrounding the condition.
#1. Myth: The FIV test is reliable. Fact: 20 percent of "positive results" are test errors.
#2. Myth: The test shows the existence of the virus. Fact: The test measures antibodies, microscopic organisms that fight the virus.
#3. Myth: Cats who have tested positive will develop the disease and die from it. Fact: 90 percent of cats who have the virus will lead completely normal lives and die from the same causes as other cats.
#4. Myth: The virus is a serious threat to other animals because it can be transmitted by casual contact. Fact: Medical research indicates that the transmission requires serious physical interaction. Deep bite wounds are the primary mode of transmission. Casual, non-aggressive contact does not appear to an effective means of spreading the virus. The virus is only transmitted from cat to cat. It is not transmitted to humans or other pets.
Fact: The virus can only live for a few seconds outside the body, so sharing food and water bowls is not an issue. Further information is available on www,bestfriends.org/feline.immunodeficiency-virus.aspx or www.FIVCatRescue.org or from your veterinarian.
Toby will be waiting for that special someone to love him as he is and take him to his new forever home. For information, visit the shelter on Lycosky Drive or call 973-728-2859.