Finding FIV Friendly Vet

[CassandraN]

Hello, I'm new here and joined because of the FIV Owners Club. I'm adopting an FIV cat, he's around 5 years old and in excellent health and of course I'd like him to stay that way!

Can anyone offer advice for finding a vet that understands FIV, or at least doesn't think the worst? I've read up on it thoroughly and I'm concerned that most vets will automatically blame everything on FIV.

I live in South Wales, I don't know if anyone else who is a member here has any experience with vets in the Cardiff and valleys area, there are some pretty bad ones!

I'm planning to get pet insurance, although it won't cover the FIV it should ensure any other health problems are covered. This is another reason I have concerns as if a vet blames everything on FIV the insurance company won't pay out.

I just want the best for my cat, any advice is greatly appreciated!

[bobbys girl]

Sorry I don't know the area, but, fortunately attitudes are changing and hopefully you won't have to search too long.

We have a vet 1/2 a mile away who is still in the Dark Ages when it comes to FIV. We were lucky to find one in the next town (and the next country!) Whose attitude seems to be 'Sxxt happens and when it does we will deal with it.' That's an attitude I can live with.

Very best wishes in your search. Perhaps when you get your cat you'll come back and tell us all about him.

[Crewella]

I'm afraid I'm miles away and no help to you, but I wonder if the good folks at Catwork might know of a good vet in your area - they're very friendly and helpful, could be worth getting in touch perhaps?

http://www.fivcats.com/sanctuary/catwor ... ction.html

If nothing else, get them to send you their booklet so you can take it in with you to any prospective vets. Having a good vet makes all the difference in the world, I really hope you find somewhere.

[CassandraN]

I already have the book from Catwork, it's an excellent resource! I didn't think of asking if they knew of any vets but I'll send them an email, thanks.

[CassandraN]

Ok, I'm thinking of sending an email to all the local vets regarding FIV. I'll put the rough draft below and any suggestions are welcome.

I'm not great at this, I feel like I'm asking: Do you know how to do your job?

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Dear Sir/Madam,
My partner and I have recently adopted an FIV+ cat and we're looking for a vet that understands this virus. He is approximately 5 years old and very healthy, we want to make sure he stays that way.
As I'm sure you know FIV has had some terrible press due to misconceptions about how it effects a cat and comparisons to HIV. Some animal rescues even suggest putting FIV cats to sleep even though they can live long, healthy lives.
I was wondering if any of the Vets in this practice have a good knowledge of FIV and experience of treating cats with it? Part of our concern is regarding insurance as we will have him insured with the exclusion of any FIV related problems. We want a knowledgeable Veterinarian so that any potential health issues are not incorrectly associated with FIV.

Thank you for your time, we hope to hear from you soon.

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What do you think?

Here's the special boy by the way:

13244647_1294458193902393_8928482237351278612_n.jpg

Costy

(99.14 KiB) Not downloaded yet

[bobbys girl]

If you feel an email is the right way to go, the first thing I'd say is do your homework. Find out the name/s of the vets at the practice. It is much better to address them personally. How do you respond to 'dear Sir or Madam' - those sort of emails/letters usually go straight in the bin.

If it was me I would go to the vets in person and ask, politely, what their policy was concerning FIV+ cats. But then, I wouldn't have the patience to wait for answers to emails and there are only a few vets in this area!

Our nearest vet would 'um and ah' and not give a straight answer. The one we chose would say 'we treat them as we find them'.

BTW that's one cute cat you have there.

[CassandraN]

Thanks, that's a good point about finding out the vets names. I'll definitely do that!

I was considering calling some of the vets practices as I don't drive so getting around them all in person would be a huge bus fare, lol. Luckily my other half does drive so we'd be fine for appointments.

Costi should be with us on Monday, I'm so excited to meet him and make him feel safe in his forever home!

[Crewella]

Oh boy, he's a real heartbreaker isn't he! Gorgeous boy!

I must admit that I would prefer a more personal approach. I had several 'wilderness years' without a decent vet and it makes such a huge difference when you finally do find one that you trust.

If this were me, I'd ring round and ask the receptioninsts which vet at the practice specialises in cats, hopefully you'll get a name and if you get a bland, corporate 'all out vets are trained .....' sort of answer move them down the list. That should give you a shortlist of names to approach directly, and you might get a feeling from the phone call about how the surgery treats people. Sometimes it's not just the knowledge, it's the relationship you build with an individual vet that makes all the difference.

I will also add that when I first went to the surgery I now use I hated the vet I saw - he seemed more interested in being paid than in my cat and was pompous and condescending. I have met him once since and he was even worse ........ but there are lots of vets there and the vet I usually see has seen me through some tough times and I trust him implicitly, he will also name a specific vet to cover when he's away and he's never been wrong, so I've now seen a few of his colleagues that have also been very good. Don't necessarily dismiss a whole surgery because of one lousy vet!

[CassandraN]

Thank you, that's another good idea I hadn't considered!

I'd go to the surgery my Mum and Nan use but the vets seem to change all the time, I can't remember the last time we saw the same vet twice.

[CassandraN]

Thanks to everyone for the advice, we've found a vet I think we'll be very happy with! If anyone else in South Wales is looking it's Treforest Veterinary Centre and they seem to understand FIV

[Crewella]

That's good news, and hopefully the surgery is like mine and will try to keep you seeing the same vet every time.

How is the gorgeous boy settling in?

[bobbys girl]

That's good news. Very pleased for you. Just hoping you don't have to see them that much!

[CassandraN]

Thanks, he's settling in well and is currently curled up next to me. He's such a loving boy and likes to be near me or my boyfriend all the time!

[Crewella]

Awwwww that's good to hear. He's lucky to have found you!