This is a great question! First thing I would recommend, if it hasn't been done, that the stray's FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus or feline aids) status is confirmed. If he was tested with a "snap" test at the clinic, a western blot test should be done to confirm the results. The snap test is usually correct but with such a serious disease, its best to know absolutely for sure since no test is 100% accurate.
Regarding the FIV vaccine for your current cats. There has been a lot of controversy around this. First, if you vaccinate your cats, they will test positive for the virus...then you don't know if their positive test is due to the vaccine or if your cat has actually been infected by the virus. There is also debate on whether the vaccine covers for all the subtypes of the virus. For these reasons, as you've seen, many veterinarians and feline practitioners do not recommend this vaccine. Unfortunately, you are taking a risk if you bring this cat in, even if you vaccinate your cats. The only safe alternative is to limit your cats’ exposure to him. This is always a hard situation and a hard decision. Ultimately, it depends on how comfortable you are with the risks. This stray could still live a long, good quality life. Some shelters or cat adoption agencies have luck placing FIV+ cats in homes with other positive cats or in homes where they are only cats...this would be
another option. If you have more questions let us know and good luck with your decision.
Source: http://www.catchow.com
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