There has been a lot of research and studies done that show that cats that test positive for Feline Leukemia or Feline AIDS can live long and happy lives in homes where other non-infected cats are present. There have also been numerous studies on cats that test positive for FIP but show no symptoms of the disease and how many of these kitties may never develop the disease.

Cat Welfare wishes that it could help these kitties find happy homes with loving families. However, since we have limited space in our shelter and since we have such a large number of cats residing with us, there is a higher possibility of fighting, etc. which could result in the transmission of the FIV/FeLk viruses.

The below web page also offers some tips and forums on the issue of keeping positive cats in households with cats that are negative:

FIV (Feline AIDS)

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/fiv.html

FeLk (Feline Leukemia)

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/felv.html

FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/fip.html
http://www.vetinfo.com/cfip.html#Feline%20infectious%20peritonitis%20(FIP)%20and%20Feline
http://www.vetinfo.com/cfip.html#FIP%20testing,%20shelter%20situations%20and%20FIP%20exposure

Various sites on Feline AIDS and Feline Leukemia

http://classicx.homestead.com/samson_01.html

You may also want to get your cat tested again...as sometimes the tests can have varying results (even over just a couple weeks). People should also be aware that if a cat has been vaccinated against FIV that it will show a positive result on the FIV test.

Are there any shelters that can help me?

We have heard that the below groups in Ohio sometimes can assist.

Pet Promise in Columbus. Pet Promise is a network of foster families that help to place cats and dogs in loving homes. Some of these animals are cats that have tested positive for FIV or FeLk. Pet Promise does not have a shelter, but you can visit them on their web page at http://www.petpromise.org/

Precious Lives Animal Sanctuary in Tallmadge (Akron area, phone for Precious Lives is 1-330-633-5959). While we cannot say if they still accept cats that have tested positive for FeLk or FIV or if they have room available in their shelter right now, you can find more information out about their shelter and contact them at their website address of http://www.preciouslives.com/

You can also try checking the Feline Rescue website, in the special needs section:
http://www.felinerescue.net/RESCUES_BY_LOCATION/SPECIAL_NEEDS.htm
They have info on groups that accept FIV and FeLk positive kitties.

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