Above: Smokie. A 12 Year old cat looking for a flat or bungalow without stairs as has very stiff legs. Smokie can be found in Red cattery.

At Bath Cats & Dogs Home, we believe that all cats should be given the opportunity to be able to go inside and outside when ever they choose. However, due to illness or infections, there are a few cats who are not allowed to go outside in case they spread the infection to other cats. We call these cats “Flat cats”, where they are rehomed to upper storey flats only.

FIV/Felv

All male entire tom cats are routinely checked at castration for FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) aka Feline AIDS and Felv (Feline leukemia virus).

The FIV virus depletes the number of white blood cells, which eventually makes the cat less able to fight off infection. However, because it is such a slow acting virus many FIV positive cats can enjoy a normal lifespan with no apparent health problems resulting from the virus. FIV is species specific , so can only be transmitted from cat to cat, and not to humans or other animals. FIV is caused through cat bites. Cat fights are most likely between entire toms and these are therefore the group most at risk. Neutering cats reduces the risk of fighting and the need to wander.

Unlike some rehoming centres, Bath Cats & Dogs Home will find suitable homes for all FIV cats rather than euthanizing them. They are best rehomed to upper storey flats, where there is no possibility of the cats going outside and spreading the virus and being rehomed as the only cat.

Above in order (FIV cats): Harry, Barley & Sonny. They can be found in the main cattery.

FHV (Feline Herpes Virus)

Bath Cats & Dogs Home has recently seen a few cats with FHV. It is an acute upper respiratory disease of cats. Main symptoms include eye and nose discharge, conjunctivitis, which may lead to corneal ulcers, sneezing  and is a flu type virus. Stress can cause occasional outbreaks. In the “latent” phase, where the virus is still in the host but is not causing disease at the that time, they do not shed the virus to other cats. Asymptomatic carriers may shed the virus but may not display symptoms, but are actively shedding the virus and other cats can become infected. During the “active” phase, the virus causes symptoms associated with the disease. The virus is shed and other cats can become infected.

Feline Herpes is transmitted by both direct and indirect contact. Direct contact is when it is transmitted by oral and respiratory secretions of a cat who is actively shedding the virus. Indirect contact is from contact with infected food bowls, litter trays, bedding etc, which has been in contact with an infected cat shedding the virus.

There is no cure for feline herpes. Once the cat has the virus, it has got it for life. Treatment is available to help treat the symptoms and to shorten an outbreak. Bath Cats & Dogs Home is rehoming these cats as only cats to upper storey flats only, to reduce the risk of other cats getting the virus especially when it may not be so obvious that the cat is shedding it. The home provides assistance with medication for cats that are positive of having the herpes virus.

Above, in order (Herpes cats) : Aria & Neela. They can be found in the main cattery.

Bath Cats & Dogs Home also rehomes blind, deaf and very old cats who do not want to go outside to flats as well.We have a constant turn around of cats being rehomed and so if you dont find your perfect cat that day, they may be waiting for you to the following week!

We look forward to your visit!