Meet Barney: The 1st cat with feline HIV put up for adoption by the P.E.I. Humane Society

P.E.I.'s Humane Society says it's achieved a first at its animal shelter Barney, acat with the feline equivalent of HIV, has been put up for adoption.

"The message we're trying to portray to the public is don't judge this cat because they have FIV," said Jennifer Harkness, the society's development manager."They could lead the same lifestyle as a cat without the virus."

Until last week, as a policy,all cats brought into the shelter that tested positive for FIVfeline immunodeficiency virus were euthanized.

'A lot of misconceptions'

Harkness saidthat was based on "a lot of misconceptions around this within the veterinary community and within sheltering as well" on how easily thevirus canspread to other cats, and what FIVcan do to theirhealth and quality of life.

Those misconceptions were cleared up at a recent conference attended by the humane society's veterinarian, she said.

According to the society, research presented at the conference showed that while cats with FIVoften haveweakened immune systems, which can lead to health complications,they can also lead a full, healthy life.

In addition, she said, the virus typically only spreads to other cats through deep bite wounds, or from femaleswith FIVto their kittens.

The virus can't spread to other animals or people.

If you don't want a multiple cat household, it's a great chance to save a life. Jennifer Harkness, P.E.I. Humane Society

"So after coming back from that conference, that really changed her viewpoint as the veterinarian. So that's when we made the policy change," Harkness said.

"We're now going to try to adopt cats with FIV to the right homes, if they're also in a healthy state, and we feel they are adoptable."

'A great chance to save a life'

So when Barney showed up a week ago, and tested positive for FIV, he wasadded to the adoption list.

Harkness said whoever does adopt the catwill need to keep him inside, and can't ownany other cats unless they also have FIV.That's to reduce the risk of Barney spreading the virus.

But Harkness maintains for the right owner, the pros outweigh the cons.

"With new research and knowing they can be like any other normal cat, it's a chance for us to save more lives," she said.

"So why wouldn't you adopt a cat out with FIV.If you don't want a multiple cat household, it's a great chance to save a life."

Harkness saidshe's already received an application from someone hoping to adopt Barney.If all goes well, she said, he should be heading to hisnew home later this week.

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