Cats catching ‘AIDS’ as ferals go on the attack

LOCK up your cats or they could face a feline AIDS epidemic, Geelong vets and pet shelters warn.
A large feral cat population, kittens bought un-desexed from pet shops or online and thousands of strays across the region are behind the problem, with owners urged to keep their cats indoors.
Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, is contracted through cats fighting and biting.
Cats that have not been desexed and which are allowed to roam day or night are chief offenders.
The incurable virus can be carried for many years before its deadly symptoms strike.
These include weight loss, anorexia, mouth and gum disease, diarrhoea, skin infections, dermatitis, respiratory infections and depression.
Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) boss Belinda Russo said FIV “could be epidemic in a way, with the number of feral cats”.
“Last year 2500 cats came into the shelter and 45 per cent of them were feral,” she said.
“We do have a really big problem compared to other demographics.”
Ms Russo said an extended kitten season appeared to be boosting cat numbers.
Cats’ eight-week gestation period allowed them to produce two to three litters between spring and autumn, she warned.
FIV can be vaccinated against but requires annual boosters. Infected cats should be kept indoors to prevent the disease spreading.
Veterinarians told the Independent testing suggested FIV could be increasing across Geelong. They cautioned pet owners against letting cats roam if not vaccinated.
“The vaccine requires three shots two to four weeks apart plus annual boosters,” said a vet, who wanted to remain anonymous.
“We’re finding only a percentage of owners will follow through with the boosters.’’
GAWS did not vaccinate outgoing cats against FIV but tested them for symptoms and notified owners, Ms Russo said.
“The trick is if they’ve already been vaccinated it will show as positive … and the FIV vaccine doesn’t 100 per cent cover it, it’s not bulletproof. The preventative for all cat owners is to keep them in an enclosure or inside.”