h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I popped in to visit a couple of old friends today and they were talking about getting a new cat to replace the one thye've just had to have put down. H (the wife) was quite concerned that someone had offered her an HIV cat when H had said that they wanted one that wouldn't want to go out.

H was concerned about taking on such a responsibility as she had heard that the end for the poor things can be quite unpleasant and they only live for about 5 years. She thought that she wanted something with a bit more life in it.

This sounds slightly odd but it becomes much odder when you hear that H is 90 in Feb and her hubby J is 87 in a fortnight!

You're probably talking about FIV - Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. My (late) cat had that. If that was what you were talking about: it really is quite horrible... I'm very glad I happened to be at the base when she had to be eventually put to sleep. And she was sick for a very long time before that. I would definitely not get a cat with FIV, it would be too much of a heartbreak.

I don't know- I've never even had a cat before, much less an FIV cat, but I don't know if I would be able to turn one away. Even though it is sick, it still deserves a good home and someone who cares for it before it passes away.

Keep in mind, this is from someone who is probably going to own a disabled or at the very least rescued dog someday!

Ah, now you've made me sound cruel and heartless... it's just that these cats are very miserable. I remember that long before we even knew what was wrong with our cat, she was constantly sick, and had trouble eating. Apparently, the day or two before she was put to sleep she was a complete wreck (once again, I'm very glad I was not home at the time), just a shadow of her old self.
To take in a cat and see this happen to it can just be too difficult on some people. I know it would be for me.

Lady P I think you are right, FIV - She is an 89 year old lady so I expect her to get things slightly wrong from time to time. I think it's grat that she still wants a cat of any description - she can't wait and describes all of the moggies she has been to look at. Apparently the cost of a discarded feline nowadays can run up to GBP70!

Just in case anyone is interested. Muffy. That's the name of the new cat. 10 years old with long chocolate brown fur a real cutie who doesn't act her age. She's perfectly fit and healthy as far as anyone can see.