Mags Posted August 4, 2010 Report Share Posted August 4, 2010 We're not long back from the vets with the news that Guinness is positive, Molly and Arthur are negative. I probably wasn't 100% surprised at Guinness' result as I think he's a litter mate of Porchse's. So how to deal with this? Just to explain to those that don't know, the cats live in a cathouse with a run attached. So they are effectively indoor only cats. At the moment, Guinness seems perfectly healthy and in great form. He's a very sociable cat so I don't think separating him and bringing him into the house is going to do him any good as he's never been on his own. I also have three cat-hating dogs and a five year old son who leaves every door open. But if I leave all three together, am I playing russian roulette with Molly and Arthur? One of the vet nurses suggested feeding Guinness in a crate in order to keep him away from the other dishes and vice versa, but they will still be sharing kitty litter and water? Molly, Arthur and Guinness have been lively happily together for about 4 years. Any advice out there for me please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murtle Posted August 4, 2010 Report Share Posted August 4, 2010 I am sorry to hear that Mags and realise that it's a tough decision to make. My sister had a cat that was FIV positive and her playmate wasn't. They lived together happily for years after they found out (that she was FIV+) until she died of kidney problems. Her playmate never became FIV+. Personally, I'd keep them altogether. ...if you could have two cat runs, rehome a couple of FIV+ playmates for Guiness. Such a tough decision to make. Mxxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura_E Posted August 4, 2010 Report Share Posted August 4, 2010 Sorry to hear that Guiness has tested positive As I said before, we found out that Jasper had FIV and were initially really concerned, but after doing some research we discovered that it wasn't actually as bad as we thought and our vet said that as long as he remained up-to-date with his vaccinations, he would be just like any other cat. It appears that the virus is transmitted through deep bites and scratches, so unless Guiness is likely to be fighting (badly) with the other cats, they shouldn't contract it. Personally, I wouldn't separate them, but that is just my opinion. This has some useful information: http://www.catchat.org/fiv.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mags Posted August 4, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2010 Thanks Mary and Laura. Guinness is definitely not a fighter so I don't think I've anything to worry about on that score. Strange thing though Laura, I was told that annual vaccinations were not recommended Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickentikka Posted August 4, 2010 Report Share Posted August 4, 2010 I know nothing about it, but hope that you can work something out so all your puss cats are happy and safe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mags Posted August 4, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2010 Thanks for that link Laura. I've had a quick read and learned a good bit. I'll have a better read when I'm less tired. Thanks CT, I'm learning too and so far I've learned that all my cats can live happily and healthily together Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murtle Posted August 4, 2010 Report Share Posted August 4, 2010 That link is really good, I've just had a read too Glad to see you smiling Mags xxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mags Posted August 4, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2010 I've been getting some great advice from an Irish forum also. So between there and here, you've all calmed me down and I can look at Guinness now doing this instead of this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeanne Posted August 4, 2010 Report Share Posted August 4, 2010 There is a website which will be able to help with any queries you have. www.catwork.co.uk they can be contacted on [email protected] Barbara is a very caring and knowledgeable person and has dealings with many FIV & FeLV positive cats she would be pleased to advise I'm sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda Posted August 5, 2010 Report Share Posted August 5, 2010 So sorry to hear that Guiness is FIV+. Personally I would keep them all together too. The other 2 haven't contracted it yet and as they are not prone to fighting, it is unlikely that they will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purrpuss Posted August 5, 2010 Report Share Posted August 5, 2010 (edited) Personally I would keep them all together too. The other 2 haven't contracted it yet and as they are not prone to fighting, it is unlikely that they will. Another one who thinks this too My 3 mogs also have Fiv and it is something I rarely think about. We have other issues, as in Baileys litter tray musings and Josies part time hairdressing designs, and as for Manuka, well she just has plans for world domination All normal moggies - I just watch out for sniffles and whathaveyou a little more. Lots of to your guys Edited August 5, 2010 by Purrpuss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mags Posted August 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2010 Thanks everyone. I've totally chilled out today. I've been given loads of advice and I've been doing research and so now I'm just left wondering what my panic was about Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizz Posted August 5, 2010 Report Share Posted August 5, 2010 Just to add we have had 2 FIV+ cats living with my current 40 and sadly both have now passed on but I had to have all of them tested when we sadly lost a rescue Mum and 3 of her 4 kittens to FIP all were negative - we have mainly ferals but never seperated them All my newbies are tested in house only so we can see if they stay on the insiode or are released in to our feral colony which seems to be expanding despite them all being done - must remove sign from bottom of track! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoebejo Posted August 5, 2010 Report Share Posted August 5, 2010 Was it just a combi test that came up positive or did you have Guinnesses blood sent away? The reason I ask is that my Brian tested positive with a combi test. They are known to throw up false positives sometimes though so his blood was sent to Glasgow where he tested negative. All the time I thought he was positive I was worried about my other cats but I had the best vet in the world and he said to forget about it, not change a thing and treat them all the same Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mags Posted August 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2010 Must have just been the combi test. Bloods were taken and I had the results in about 15 minutes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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