Hi/advice please

[maryas]

Claire is so right, Max is having a brill time with her.  Another Purrs member is Leigh and he has a website, or should I say his cats have a website.

Take a look and put your mind at rest about FIV.

http://www.alfie-cat.co.uk

Mary

[clarenmax]

Hiya James and  to Purrs 

It sounds like Jack the Lad has made himself right at home already, just the way it should be 

My boy has FIV, he was tested when he was found as a stray aged 2, he's nearly 11 now, and he's still as energetic and lively as he was in his younger days, so if your boy does happen to test positive, its in no way a death sentence, and many cats go on to live long and happy lives 

[LesleyW]

Hi Jame and welcome to Purrs.

Just to add, if you get a spray for the house, do buy one from your Vets, such as the Acclaim as mentioned before.  Lots of pet stores and supermarkets sell sprays for the home but they are basically useless.

Also, if Jack had fleas it is best to treat him for worms as well, as the two normally go together and it is better to be safe than sorry if you do not his entire history.  Again, a wormer from the Vet rather than anywhere else, to be sure it is effective.  You vet will of course advise you on both products and which is best for you and Jack.

Look forward to piccies.

[Michelle (furbabystar)]

Hi James,

If he has been treated with Frontline it will continue to work for a month (or so)
As for FIV make sure the test is send away rather than an "inhouse test" ....and if he is positive there is nothing really to worry about, he can still live a long and happy life.

oh and ......hurry up with the pics 

[James]

Thanks again - all advice very welcome.
I'll get some pics of him soon - he's a handsome big lad, despite the lack of teeth, and part of an ear missing! 
Right now curled 360 degrees and snoring!!

[Christine (Blip)]

Well, if you want to worry yourself   you can read all about zoonoses at http://www.messybeast.com/zoonoses.htm

I'd say just be sensible about hygiene.  Jack will probably jump on the surfaces while you're not around - I use chopping boards rather than the surfaces themselves for food preparation and just keep the surfaces clean in the normal way.  And wash your hands between handling Jack and handling food - normal precautions  

[blackcat]

Hi James and welcome to Purrs - sounds like Jack the Lad is making himself at home. As far as zoonotic infections are concerned (things that can transfer between animals and humans), basic personal hygiene pretty well covers off on most issues. Similarly bench-tops. If you have animals it becomes second-nature to wipe surfaces before food preparation because even if they are not seen on the counter-tops - the odds are they are just smart enough not to be caught ...

Well done you for taking on this pensioner - FIV seems to have a far worse 'rumour value' than is warranted. As Christine says, lots of our members have cats who have it and it can be managed and will not cause major disruptions in your life. Jack will take care of that for you anyway ... BTW - it is obligatory to give us pix, so we are waiting .... 

[James]

Thanks.
He's called Jack 'the lad' - I think he was quite the boy in his day!! He's still spritely - I left the room for 2 minutes the other day, and he was on the table eating my cake!! 
Are there other 'cat to human' infections I need to be careful of regarding hygiene - mites/ worms etc. I definately try and keep him off kitchen surfaces etc - but when i'm out/night times.......

[Christine (Blip)]

  to Purrs, James.  Glad you found us and decided to join.  Well done for taking on this little chap - what's his name?

Now, first of all, don't panic.  You would be advised to treat your home against fleas (don't worry, we've all had to do it at some stage) and you can buy a product for this purpose - I used Acclaim.  You spray the house - full instructions on the can.  That'll fix it.

Ref FIV, even if he were to prove FIV+, that's not a problem - have a read of this http://www.catchat.org/fiv.html  We have a number of members with FIV+ cats.

[James]

New to forum - so hi!
Three days ago I took on a cat (10 -13, nuetered male) who has had a 'rough life' - but he is very friendly/affectionate (not scared/scratching etc.)
I agreed to take him before rescue centre had him properly checked - (they are covering all costs for this so no problem). We knew he would need dental treatment, etc.
Went to vet today - he has most teeth missing and problems with his gums - vet is going to check for FIV (bit worried about this; although assured it cannot transmit to humans...?)
Also, this might sound stupid - but he had some 'signs of flea dirt' - he had 'Frontline' for any fleas/mites etc. It occurred to me though, this will kill fleas any fleas on him, but what about any fleas that have come off him in the last couple of days...? He's not been scratching overly etc. Can they live on in the house - keep on thriving/infect me/ reinfect the cat? What to do about this?
I know its a bit daft, but a bit concerned about all this..