Local News
Could you offer a second chance to a cat in need? Wood Green, The Animals Charity rehabilitates and rehomes around 1,800 cats every year from their centre in Cambridgeshire. The majority of these cats are matched with loving new homes in around 30 days, but those with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can stay in the charity’s care for many months. Wood Green are now seeking people who live in rural areas, or are able to create an enclosed garden, to offer a second chance to a cat with FIV. What is FIV? Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a viral infection that affects cats worldwide. Although FIV-positive cats will remain infected for the rest of their lives, it only affects cats and there is no risk of passing FIV to people or other species. Infected cats who receive supportive medical care, eat a good diet and are kept in a stress-free environment can live comfortable lives with a normal lifespan. What are the symptoms? FIV is slow acting, meaning infected cats may not show any obvious symptoms for many years – but their immune system will be weakened. As a result, cats will be susceptible to secondary infections and will take longer to recover from minor injuries. Depending on a cat’s medical history, there may be some pet insurance exclusions, which is a factor to consider before rehoming a cat with FIV. How is FIV transmitted? FIV is usually passed through bite wounds during fights, or through mating. Once a cat has contracted FIV, they can pass the disease to other cats and need
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to live somewhere they won’t come into contact with many other cats – either in a rural location, or in a house with an enclosed, cat-proof garden. This allows them to enjoy the outside, and carry out natural hunting behaviours, without posing a risk to themselves or other cats. How can I create an enclosed garden? Depending on your space, and the budget you have available, there are a number of options. The first is to install a cat fence around the perimeter of your garden, either with an off-the-shelf product or by building one using strong mesh and brackets. Another option is to create a ‘catio’ – a large, screened-off section like an aviary, which your cat can access via a window or cat flap. The team can help you choose the right set-up for your garden, and for the individual cat you are interested in rehoming. By rehoming a cat with FIV, you’ll be giving them the happy ending they deserve – as well as helping Wood Green to be there for even more pets. To find out which cats with FIV are looking for new homes, or to learn more, please visit woodgreen.org.uk/find-a-cat or contact the team on 0300 303 9333.
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