Catwork Sanctuary in Somerset has been rescuing, caring for and rehoming cats with special needs since 1996.
Run by Barbara and Bob, Catwork has helped a huge number of cats over the years, including over 80 cats with the FIV virus, many of who might otherwise have been needlessly euthanized.
Last year, Barbara and Bob decided to put their first-hand experience of years of living with so many FIV-positive cats into print, and in October “80 FIV Cats” had it’s first print run (the first of many we hope) in the form of this 105-page booklet. It’s not a scientific study, or a medical journal; it’s simply an honest, practical, first-hand account of caring for more than 80 FIV cats over the last fifteen years.
Barbara and Bob explain why they wrote the book:
“We took in our first FIV positive cat in 1997, since when we have cared for more than 80 cats with the virus. Through the experience of caring for these cats, we have learned what the FIV virus really means to a cat.
There is, sadly, a great deal of misunderstanding about the virus. What one reads is mainly based on academic theory rather than practice, making it misleading at best.
We have done the best we can for those who have come our way, but we are getting too old to take on more - we know how long they can live! So the best we can now do is pass on what our FIV cats have taught us to as many others as we can, so they can deal properly with the FIV cats that come their way. We want as many people as possible to have the information in order for them to give all future FIV cats the chance they deserve of a good life. That is why we have produced the booklet. Please do what you can for FIV cats, even if it is just passing on the booklet to those who may deal with FIV cats. The cats have taught us, now we want them to teach you.”
80 FIV Cats is a must-read for anyone who has any dealings with FIV cats, perhaps in a rescue or veterinary capacity, and also for anyone who owns an FIV cat, or who might consider adopting one. There has long been a need for a book that truly puts FIV into perspective, and here it is. Well done Barbara and Bob!
The book is free (UK only at present), however, if, when you read it, you find it informative, a donation to Catwork towards the cost of producing and sending a free copy to the next person, will help them to increase awareness further - but that is entirely voluntary.
For your copy, email:
info@FIVcats.org.uk
