Manik

   Manik was brought in to our lives through an add in the newspaper. Maniks mom Anita was at my place one June day. She had really wanted a kitty. We searched the adds for free kitties but they were all adopted already. We called one last place where they were selling kittens for $20. Manik was currently living in the other part of the city. We called the lady who was selling them and she was nice enough to deliver Manik to my front door. As soon as Manik arrived we new it was fate. She was the fluffiest little kitten ever (and the chubbiest). Anita and I brought her up to the apartment to meet Skittles and it was friendship at 1st site. While Manik investigated my apartment , Skittles followed her and hid behind videotapes and shoes. Skittles had never seen a baby cat before. After a day of fun Manik went home to her new apartment with her new mommy Anita. When her mom came to visit me , she would bring Manik along to visit Skittles. Soon there after I moved in with Anita and Skittles and Manik were able to play chase all day long if they wanted. After a few good years of bonding I got my own apartment so Skittles and Manik were separated forever.
   Less then a month ago I received a message from Anita re: Manik. She had passed away from the horrible disease of FIV. She wanted me to bring Skittles in for a FIV test.
   Manik lived a short life but a happy and loved one. All who knew her will remember her as a beautiful girl, she had one of the best attitudes, biggest green eyes and really loved her food.
I regret that I only have one picture of her, and that you can hardly see her in it. She's playing with My sisters former cat Dharma. Manik is the fluffy tabby.
                                                                                            ***Love you Manik***
                                                                                                  Sarah & Skittles

Feline Immune-deficiency Virus (FIV) is a horrible disease which takes the lives of many cats and kittens. After I heard that Manik had passed away because of it I did some research of my own. Keep in mind I'm not a vet (yet) so this is all here say. If you would like to notify me of any mistakes please e-mail me at [email protected].
* It is know as the AIDS for cats - if a cat has it it could take years before it starts to deteriorate a cat.
* Like AIDS, the cat will not always die from the disease but from a virus it catches and the white blood cells aren't strong enough to fight back.
* It can be passes from mother to kitten.
* It is most commonly passed through saliva and blood (grooming, biting and scratching with other cats)
* It can not be passed to humans or other species.
* It can be passed by sharing the same food and water (although it could take years before it is passed that way)
* The cost for a FIV test at the vet in Manitoba cost approximately $20-$40.

If you have more then one cat or have cats that go out doors please bring them in for a test. It could not only save your cat from getting it but also from giving it to other cats.