[Niccles]

Long story short!

Henry is our tabby cat, two years old, adopted from the RSPCA about an month ago.

He was listed as a stray, and had to be desexed before we could pick him up.

Now the question is should we test him for FIV. I read that roaming male cats, who aren't desexed are at the biggest risk. As he will be an indoor cat only, we won't pay out for the vaccine. See it as a waste of money. We didn't even know FIV existed until we adopted him. Are we just being anxious to do it? Or should we do it for his health, so we know what we will have to deal with in the future.

We do need to get him back to vet anyways, to scan his microchip, claws clipped (can't do it, need help :<) and talk to the vet about a worming recommendation.

In the end it's only money, and I guess we will feel better just to get him tested.

So, we are just curious if you would test him? Or if you have adopted a cat from a shelter, if you did just to be sure :>

Sorry for rambling, I be sleeeeeepy o:

[Advert]

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[Kristen]

I have a feeling that the RSPCA test strays for FIV before adopting them out??? But I could be wrong.

It really depends, many cats go on to live long and happy lives even with FIV. Would knowing the results make you feel better, or if he does have FIV could they make you feel worse?

Would love to see some photos!

[Niccles]

I have a feeling that the RSPCA test strays for FIV before adopting them out??? But I could be wrong.

It really depends, many cats go on to live long and happy lives even with FIV. Would knowing the results make you feel better, or if he does have FIV could they make you feel worse?

Would love to see some photos!

I could have sworn that on the adoption forms, and from what the ladies at the shelter said was if you wish to get him tested for FIV, it out of your own pocket. When I move downstairs in the morning, I'll double check that.

I think in a way, we would be happy to know what we have in store for him. But at the same time, I don't want to know. Damn! Ha.

I've been lazy with making an avatar with him in it. Will get to it eventually! Uploaded some photos the other day, but they'd be a few pages back by now :>

[Patricia L]

Personally I did test. I took in an old feral cat - and had him tested, and despite the fact that he was an intact male and covered in scars from his many fights, he was negative!
When Angelique arrived as a 5 month old kitten, we switched vets, the new vet couldn't believe he was negative, so he was tested again a year later - yup still negative!
So if it gives you peace of mind then have him tested. Also if at some stage in the future you get another cat - then it will be good to know already.

[little feet cattery]

i get all my cats even new kittens now tested just so i know .
would i love them any less if they had fiv nope .
but if one did i can get it help and the care it will need .
also as a breeder i like to make sure i keep all my cats/kittens healthy and safe .
even if its a waste of money im happy to waste it lol

[Kicol]

Even if he will be indoors only, he should get his FIV vaccine. My vet's procedures include vaccination even for indoors cats, as you can bring the virus in your shoes - even if you remove the shoes when you get home and wear slippers in the house. As for the test, I would have it done too for peace of mind. Congratulations on your new kitty!

[Heather Sharada]

as you can bring the virus in your shoes - even if you remove the shoes when you get home and wear slippers in the house.

It is not spread except by fluid transfer from an infected cat as I understand it.

I would test - probably - because I would never have just one cat and it would be good to know...but I would not vaccinate - keep in mind I am a Homoeopath and dislike vaccinations for pets and humans and do only what is necessary. He would have to be in a fight that drew blood and have the misfortune of being bitten by a positive cat to get FIV - so nope I would not vaccinate.

[kirty]

Indoor cats don't need to be vacc'd for FIV. It is only transfered directly through fighting or mating.

If he is to be indoor-only, I wouldn't bother testing him. But if you want to get another cat or if he ever gets sick, then I would test.

[burmeselover]

I would test for my peace of mind given his previous history. Knowing that a cat is FIV positive will have an impact upon the way your vet will treat seemingly minor infections or illnesses. If he is FIV positive you will know in advance that he will be prone to things like gingivitis and have a reduced ability to protect against and fight infections.

FIV is transmitted via bite wounds from infected cats so he won't need to be vaccinated as he is staying indoors.

[Kicol]

My apologies if I have given the incorrect info. After reading the posts above, I realize I have to double check my info (my girl received the F3 vaccine not long ago) and maybe will call my vet tomorrow to make sure I don't have my info wrong. If we can skip one vaccine next year I would be very inclined to do so. I know that my vet does not use the F2 vaccine even on indoor cats, but if one of them is not necessary, I will insist on the F2 next year.

[Cuddleton]

F3 does not have FIV. FIV is a seperate vaccine. I think you are thinking of FeLV maybe? Your kitty really needs F3 but if they are inside they dont need the FIV as well.

[Niccles]

Thank you all for your replies :>

I would test for my peace of mind given his previous history. Knowing that a cat is FIV positive will have an impact upon the way your vet will treat seemingly minor infections or illnesses. If he is FIV positive you will know in advance that he will be prone to things like gingivitis and have a reduced ability to protect against and fight infections.

That's what we were thinking.

My mum came up earlier to say hello, and I spoke to her about it. She thinks it would be a waste of money, and she said he doesn't look sick. But I had to explain that most cats look fine and healthy, but it can attack later on in their life.

I'd wish to get a friend for Henry eventually, and I do want to make sure he is okay. Even if it is a waste of money, it's only money.

I spoke to the boy, and he thinks it would be a good idea also. Vet said it wouldn't take too long to get results.

Will be booking him in for next week :> Or if I can, before work friday... :D