Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Bison

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Bison

Bison is a wonderful, adorable young (~2 years old) cat! He loves human affection and lounging in the sun or on a cozy blanket near his people. Great with kids, his sweet demeanor and laidback personality make him a wonderful companion for a forever family that will commit to giving him lots of affection, feeding him a high quality diet, and proactively and consistently monitoring and managing his health.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a virus that affects only cats. It is similar to HIV in humans, in that it is progressive, has a long incubation period, and suppresses the immune system. So far, treatment to cure FIV has proven elusive; however cats with FIV often live normal, healthy lives. This doesn’t mean they will never become ill; they are, after all immunocompromised, so illnesses can be easier to catch and harder to fight off. Because of a suppressed immune system, they are more vulnerable to conditions like dental disease, ringworm, and other infections. They have the same needs as any other cat: high quality nutrition, a clean, stress-free, strictly indoor environment, regular veterinary visits (two times per year), and lots of love. If they should become ill, they are generally treated earlier, longer, and more aggressively than non-immunocompromised cats (meaning they need to see the vet at the very first sign of illness and may be on a stronger medication or on medication for a longer period of time).