Cats that are taken by animal control and/or animal welfare are frequently "put down" when tested to be, or even suspected of being, FIV positive or infected by the Feline Leukemia Virus. These viruses attack the immune system and are common in feral cat populations and in neighborhoods where a large percentage of pet cats are not vaccinated at an early age. The presence or suspicion of these viruses should not constitute an automatic death sentence.
With care, these animals can live long and relatively healthy lives, much in the same way as a person infected with AIDS. 30% of cats directly exposed to these viruses will not contract them, even without vaccination. The main concern is prevention of secondary infections and the prevention of fighting, which is common among unneutered animals that have not been raised together. TNR programs accomplish this.
Many veterinarians are divided in their opinion. Some notable ones believe in the preservation of the lives of these animals with good care, attesting that cats can and do live well into their teen years with quality of life, despite being infected.
Until every shelter becomes a NO KILL SHELTER, we must fight for the sanctity of these cats lives. They do not deserve to be treated as "discards."
