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11/29/2007 Entry: "FIV"

Söcki's wound is healing well.

she had to get an absess removed after being bitten by Shere Khan on the bum, and had to go back twice because it hadn't healed properly. Her shaved rump is growing back hair, and although still bald is much less unsightly.

The bad news is, however, that she and Shere have both tested positive for FIV, also known as feline AIDS. It is likely that Shere was the one who caught it first, because he was --up until two days ago-- not fixed.

Unlike HIV, FIV spreads easily through saliva, so cats can catch it by being bitten by infected cats, just like the zombie virus.

The vet believes it is highly probable that the other two cats have it as well, even though Shere Khan never attacks them aggressively like he does with Söcki. There are several theories to why this is but that is another herd of cats.

Julie was inconsolable when she heard the news, and rightly so, for it is a fatal disease. However, infected cats can live years before the final stage is reached, and does not occur as offen as it does with HIV. So, it is best not to worry too much, but rather see that your cat leads a healthy life through good diet and exercise, and to be sure to treat any infections with antibiotics should they arise.

Unfortunately, it can be hazardous to one's own health seeing that a cat gets her medicine. Some are easier to give pills to than other's, but Söcki is truely a cat's cat: as long as she has teeth and claws she won't be forced to do one damn thing against her will.

The doc showed us another pill giving method yesterday: hold the cat by the scruff facing you against your chest, and use the metal tongs to pop the pill in, then blow on her face once. It worked like a charm for the vet. Not so at home, but maybe we just need practice.

The upside of this is that I've thought of some really good lolcat captions, none of which I'll use because Julie would kill me.